Category: SYDNEY

Rhys & Joel’s Family Christmas coming to Sydney

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In a celebration of campness, Christmas, and comedy, best pals Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson – along with their chosen family – are reuniting to host a yuletide spectacular at the Enmore Theatre on Friday, 1 December. Presented by Comedy Republic, the duo’s Rhys & Joel’s Family Christmas show had audiences in stitches last year with its uproarious performances. And in 2023, they’re back to sashay across Australia, joining forces in Sydney for an evening of pure unadulterated hilarity, storytelling, and conversation. Joining them on stage will be a lineup of some of the nation’s fiercest comedians, drag artists, and musicians, promising a night of unforgettable festive entertainment. Joel Creasey, known as the glittering star of Australia’s #1 drive radio show “Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel,” as well as for bringing glamour to Eurovision and starring in Netflix’s Comedians of the World, will be showcasing his comedic talents alongside the scandalously hilarious Rhys Nicholson, renowned for their appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Downunder, Conan, and their very own Netflix special. Fresh off the success of last year’s debut season, Joel Creasey is excited to join his best friend Rhys Nicholson on stage once again for a jovial and gay family Christmas tour. Rhys Nicholson, always ready with a witty remark, adds, “Come watch as we really get into the Christmas spirit. And by ‘spirit,’ I mean gin. I can’t think of a better way to spend the silly season than monetizing the relationship I have with my best friend live on stage.” Prepare for a night… Read More

A taste of authentic Italy in Sydney at Don Fred

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Imagine stepping into a vibrant, bustling street in Italy, where the air is filled with the tantalising aroma of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Now imagine experiencing this right in the heart of Sydney. Welcome to Don Fred, the newest gem on King Street in Newtown, that’s redefining the city’s culinary landscape. Opening its doors in February 2023, Don Fred has carved out a unique niche in Sydney’s food scene, offering a 100% plant-based menu that doesn’t compromise on the classic Italian flavours we all adore. The mastermind behind this innovative concept is Lorenzo Petrachi, former Restaurant Manager of Gigi Pizzeria, who has poured his passion and expertise into creating a dining experience like no other. As you walk into Don Fred, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight into a classic 1970s Paninoteca Bar in New York. The design choices are a nod to Petrachi’s Uncle Alfredo’s journey from Italy to New York in the early 60s, where he opened his own panino shop in the Bronx after overcoming numerous personal adversities. The burnt yellow walls, authentic Italian tiles, and brown timber tables resonate with the nostalgia of a bygone era, creating an ambience that’s both inviting and enchanting. But Don Fred is not just about aesthetics. Quality is at the heart of everything they do. Every ingredient used is ethically sourced and as fresh as can be, ensuring that customers enjoy the best plant-based alternatives available in the market. Petrachi sources local produce and ingredients, but also stays true to his Italian roots by… Read More

Adults-Only circus show Rouge set to make Sydney even hotter this summer

Rouge 28. Photog Alison Catseye Productions 1

Sydney’s Spiegeltent has a sizzling new show starting soon and this one certainly isn’t for kids, in fact we probably wouldn’t take our mum either. Rouge is part circus, part bordello, set to stun your sensibilities with acrobatics, tasteful skin and pulsating sensuality. Already awarded, including Best Circus at 2020 Adelaide Fringe, a star turn at 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and critical acclaim from across the globe, Rouge is now setting up in Sydney for a saucy run from Thursday 23 November to Sunday 17 December. Director Elena Kirschbaum says, “Rouge loves to break conventions and smash gender stereotypes,so it’s much, much more than simply sexy circus. It’s delightfully subversive, highly inclusive and has quite a few surprises.” Tickets to Rouge at the Spiegeltent are on sale now, right here.

Centennial Homestead in Sydney launches ‘Rosé & Croquet’ activation

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Centennial Homestead, in partnership with AIX, reveals its latest summer sensation, the ‘Rosé & Croquet’ activation. Experience the ultimate garden party, filled to the brim with an abundance of rosé and complimentary mini croquet kits for patrons. This activation aims to immerse you in the quintessential family-friendly summer experience. By marrying the enchanting ambiance of parklands with the distinguished allure of AIX rosé wine, Centennial Homestead and AIX have concocted a delightful setting. Expect an expanded outdoor seating area equipped with additional seats, picnic blankets, umbrellas and abundant opportunities to create lasting memories. AIX is excited to roll out special prices on their premium Provence Rosé to celebrate this activation, with glasses at $16, standard bottles at $75, magnum bottles at $140, and the monumental Jeroboam bottle at $250, exclusively at Centennial Homestead. Centennial Homestead’s executive chef, Jeffrey Forrest, presents meticulously crafted picnic boards priced at $43 per person. It features a gourmet selection of the finest cheeses and cured meats. The casual dining menu will remain available throughout the activation period, offering fresh, contemporary dishes with a twist on traditional home-cooked favorites. AIX is thrilled about their summer activation. “That’s the beauty of AIX Rosé, its versatility to pair with any occasion. AIX tastes best when shared.” states Maison Saint Aix, Provence. Expect to bask in an unforgettable and inclusive atmosphere, celebrating leisure, enjoyment, and relaxation all throughout summer. The ‘Rosé & Croquet’ activation will continue until 31st December 2023, operating from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm – 5pm, aligning with the venue’s closing hours…. Read More

Sydney Dance Company Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of New Breed

Sydney Dance COmpany

Sydney Dance Company, in collaboration with Carriageworks and supported by Principal Partner The Balnaves Foundation, is thrilled to announce the 10th anniversary of its highly-anticipated New Breed programme. As we look forward to the world premiere of the commissioned works from four dynamic Australian dance makers at Carriageworks from December 6-16, 2023, we can’t help but reflect on the significant impact of this initiative. New Breed 2023 provides an unparalleled opportunity for Australian choreographers to create a newly commissioned piece with Australia’s leading contemporary dance company. Since its inception in 2014, New Breed has propelled 35 emerging artists to showcase their fresh ideas and raw talent on a world stage, solidifying its reputation as Australia’s premier platform for emerging choreographers. This year’s innovative programme will feature works from Beau Dean Riley Smith, Eliza Cooper, Riley Fitzgerald, and Tra Mi Dinh. Smith, an award-winning dancer, choreographer and actor, will present his work gubba, an exploration of Australia’s frontier wars and the violent history of colonial Australia. Cooper’s work critiques the reality she sees around her, using the iconic Spaghetti Western film genre as a lens. Fitzgerald’s Everyb0dy’s g0t a b0mb draws inspiration from the music festival Woodstock ‘99, while Dinh’s piece illuminates the moments between day and night, capturing the transformation of light across the sky in real time. Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela, shared his excitement about the upcoming works: “Over the last ten years, New Breed has been instrumental in supporting the early careers of some of Australia’s most exciting emerging dancemakers…. Read More

Salote Tawale: I remember you – A Major Solo Exhibition at Carriageworks

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Carriageworks, Sydney, is excited to reveal the first major solo exhibition by Sydney-based Australian-Fijian artist Salote Tawale. Titled I remember you, the exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, 17 November 2023, and will be on display until Sunday, 28 January 2024. Tawale’s expansive exhibition explores the concept of memory through various mediums such as installation, painting, sculpture, and an intriguing component of karaoke. It is curated across two spaces within Carriageworks, and each space offers a unique exploration of how memory shapes identity. Bay 21 hosts Tawale’s interpretation of Carriageworks’ architecture, transformed into a ‘memory bank’. This immersive environment includes artworks like hanging masks, plywood cut-outs of people and plants, and a unique installation of the artist’s Fijian family home. The gallery also features a karaoke booth, inviting visitors to engage through song. This intriguing installation of partially formed memories, with missing panels and fading flowers, reflects the unpredictability and fallibility of memory. In the Public Space, a stunning 14-meter long bamboo raft titled No Location (2021) is anchored, originally presented at the 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. This piece, based on a childhood memory of a traditional Fijian watercraft, reinterprets the process of making a raft, symbolising Tawale’s experience of displacement. I remember you draws from Tawale’s personal experience as part of the Pacific diaspora in Australia. It embodies her exploration of the relationship between the individual and the collective, materialising memories into tangible forms. The exhibition is accompanied by a variety of public programs, including art-making workshops,… Read More

Christmas with a view: Santa Comes to Sydney Harbour Bridge

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and this season, the festivities are reaching new heights. The jolly man in red himself – yes, Santa Claus – will be waiting for you at the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge! Every Sunday morning from November 5th to December 24th, 2023, Santa will be perched on high, 134 meters above sea level, ready to greet climbers with a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!”. A Christmas Photo to Remember Imagine capturing a Christmas photo unlike any other – one that not only features Santa but also boasts the breathtaking backdrop of the Sydney Opera House. This unique opportunity is available to all climbers booked in on a BridgeClimb experience before 11am. Say goodbye to traditional mall Santa photos, this year your holiday snaps will sleigh all others. Seasonal Add-Ons for Extra Cheer But wait, there’s myrrh! Besides experiencing the best views of Sydney while scaling the iconic arches of the bridge, climbers will be treated to some extra Christmas cheer. Each purchased photo package comes with a complimentary printed Santa photo. Digital photos can be jazzed up with an optional festive photo border, perfect for sharing on social media or sending as a unique Christmas greeting. And that’s not all – climbers will also receive a Santa hat to take home as a fun memento of their unforgettable climb. Sing-Along to Your Favourite Carols Feeling musical? The climb isn’t just about the views and the photos – it’s also a chance to raise your voice in… Read More

Embrace authentic fusion of tradition and innovation at Australian Gin Week

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In the heart of Australia, a unique partnership is set to celebrate the richness and diversity of the nation’s gin industry. For Australian Gin Week, Seven Seasons, an iconic gin brand known for its remarkable interpretations of indigenous Australian flavours, has partnered with the award-winning Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar at Barangaroo House. Together, they are unveiling the Green Ant Gin Martini, a bold new creation that captures the vibrant flavours of Australian flora. From the 15th of November to the 14th of December, patrons of Rekodo will be able to indulge in a special Green Ant Gin Martini and snack menu. This collaboration not only puts the spotlight on Seven Season Spirits’ acclaimed Green Ant Gin, but also entwines the rich history and flavours of Australian flora in an exciting culinary experience. Award-winning bartender, Jai Lyons, will be the mastermind behind the Green Ant Martini, while head chef Michael Dabbs has crafted a bespoke menu that perfectly complements the unique notes of the cocktail. Among the standout offerings is the Steak tartare temaki with koji, finger lime dressing, and a green ant garnish priced at $14. In addition, the Green Ant Gin Martini will feature at 50 of Australia’s top venues, including Margaret & West Hotels in New South Wales, Vue de Monde & Sunda in Victoria, Sasso Italiano & Rosellas Bar in Queensland, and Sofitel & Fleet Street Social in South Australia. Each venue will add their unique twist to the cocktail, further elevating the martini experience. Seven Seasons, founded by former AFL… Read More

Sydney Mardi Gras’ groundbreaking 2024 program: Our Future

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Australia’s most vibrant and inclusive celebration, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, is set to return from 16 February to 3 March 2024 with a spectacular program. The festival will charge into our future with its biggest and boldest program yet, featuring over 100 electrifying community events, dance parties, and performances. The 2024 festival aims to connect the past, present, and future, celebrating 45 years of Sydney Mardi Gras history, while illuminating the path to a dazzling future. The festival will echo the voices of our communities, champion progress, and instigate impactful change. The theme for 2024, ’Our Future,’ is brought to life through a creative campaign that reimagines tarot cards as celebrations of local LGBTQIA+ trailblazers, from HIV+ campaigners to trans and gender-diverse icons. The campaign is a testament to an unwavering commitment to representation and a call to imagine a bright future for all. A few new and major events of 2024 include the Bondi Beach Party, the Ultra Violet party for LGBTQIA+ women, Festival First Light, a city-wide Welcome to Country ceremony, Hot Trans Summer, a total trans and gender-diverse takeover of Glass Island, and many more. Sydney Mardi Gras celebrates not only the LGBTQIA+ community but the diversity and vibrancy that Sydney represents as Australia’s only truly global city. Visitors can also explore renowned galleries, museums and theatres, and the city’s thriving arts, music, and culture scene. Tickets for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras go on sale at 10am on Monday 20 November. Visit www.mardigras.org.au to browse… Read More

Sydney dog lover? Australia’s national pet show is back

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Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of tail-wagging excitement as Australia’s premier National Pet Show makes its triumphant return to Sydney! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 18 November and Sunday, 19 November as we transform the Sydney Showground into a veritable paradise for pet enthusiasts. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Pet Show is back, bolder and more thrilling than ever before. The event promises to be an unparalleled spectacle of fur, feathers, and scales, showcasing the vibrant diversity of our beloved animal companions. With over 200 esteemed industry experts and exhibitors participating, this multi-zone extravaganza will take you on an enlightening journey through the world of pets. Unleash your curiosity with our educational sessions, get your heart racing with captivating entertainment, and spoil your furry (or scaly, or feathery) friends with a plethora of paw-some products. Cameron Just, our esteemed Managing Director, shares his bubbling excitement: “We’re thrilled to bring the Pet Show back to its roots in Sydney. The past year has seen us receive an outpouring of support and love from consumers, with ticket demand soaring as we ventured to Brisbane and Melbourne. This year, we’re determined to surpass expectations and elevate the Pet Show experience to new heights.” Our roster of presenters boasts acclaimed figures like wildlife advocate Ben Dessen, Erin Williams of Beyond Dog Training, Bondi Vet Dr Kate Adams, and animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement, among others. Entertainment will be provided by the delightful team of Dr Katrina Warren, Kelly Gill, and the Wonderdogs, along with children’s favourites… Read More