Category: FEATURES

The best of Australian opera in Melbourne and Sydney in 2022

Updated: 02/09/2022

It’s been SO long since we’ve been inside the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House or the Melbourne Arts Centre to see our favourite operas by one of the world’s leading production companies, Opera Australia – let alone anything else – that this news is big. In case you can’t make the opera festivities in the middle of Sydney Harbour for New Years this year, then worry not, the official launch of the 2022 opera season by Opera Australia has launched and it’s incredible. Here’s what to expect from Australia’s own opera company powerhouse, Opera Australia. Opera in Melbourne 2022 Local Melburnian and superstar soprano Stacey Alleaume will make her in-theatre debut as Violetta in Elijah Moshinsky’s celebrated production of La Traviata, a highlight of the Company’s 2022 Melbourne season. And if that’s not exciting enough, the Australian premiere of Olivier Py’s production of Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin there’ll also be a one-night only concert by arguably the greatest bass alive today, Ferruccio Furlanetto, along with a highly anticipated blockbuster musical. Our favourite Diego Torre will join the line-up, too! Here are just two stand out events for Autumn 2022 in Melbourne to look forward to. For more, head to the Opera Australia website. VERDI: La Traviata | Conductor Renato Palumbo | Director Elijah MoshinskyFollowing her success at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, shining star soprano Stacey Alleaume will make her in-theatre role debut as Violetta. Renato Palumbo makes a welcome return to Australia to conduct Ho-Yoon Chung as Alfredo, José Carbó as Giorgio… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

Tags: Opera Australia Melbourne 2022, Opera Australia Sydney 2022, The best of Australian opera in Melbourne and Sydney in 2022

What to expect this Christmas at Kew Gardens in London

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

From Wednesday 17 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022, Kew Gardens in London is doing Christmas and it needs to be on your list of things to do to end the last two years of nightmare. Now in its ninth festive year, this year’s trail features a host of seasonal favourites alongside pioneering new light installations, illuminating Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape with vibrant bursts of colour and over a million twinkling lights. Standouts at-a-glance: New installations feature stunning video design and scenescapes inspired by Kew collections Highlights include 12 Days of Christmas tree installation, Christmas Cathedral, and LED light spheres illuminating night sky 200 metres over-head Visitors can keep warm with seasonal street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate, or enjoy a Christmas dinner at newly refurbished The Botanical Brasserie restaurant Trail is supported by Montezuma’s Chocolate This year and kicking off next month in November 2021, we’ll be gifted with a first-time selection of spectacular trees from Kew’s arboretum as their canvas. Creative studio Novak will create a brand-new piece for Christmas 2021, using a stunning combination of video design, projection mapping and light to bring botanical illustrations from Kew’s archive to life, alongside a host of heart-warming festive imagery. Further, a brand-new installation, Spheric, which is a fifteen-metre-wide dome of light covered in over 2,000 individually controlled LED pixels, will sit on a reflective water pool, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this unique mirrored illusion as they cross the lake. And as we’d hope, the favourite Christmas Cathedral returns for 2021, affording guests the perfect opportunity to capture this quintessential… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Christmas in London, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Christmas, What to expect this Christmas at Kew Gardens in London

Join up to invest in the Australian Stock Exchange on-the-go with Stake

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

You can officially kiss the big banks and hefty priced investment firms a hearty ‘goodbye’! The moment every Australian investor’s been waiting for is here, courtesy of Stake. As of today, the waitlist is open for you to join the first intake of investors in Stake’s new offering: the ability to invest in the Australian Stock exchange using your phone (or desktop, if you’re classic), with a $0 brokerage fee for those on the BETA version. If you’ve been looking to invest in the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) but the standard $30-ish brokerage fee (the price brokers charge you to make trades) has been a put-off, then relax; Stake is the answer you’ve been hunting for. They’ll charge a tiny $3 brokerage per trade in 2022. Already know about Stake? Join up today with this VIP link If this sounds like the next move in your financial security, then head to the new ASX landing page is up and you can sign up to the waitlist! “We’ve kicked off already. People are trading on the ASX with Stake. We’re opening up thousands more spots, progressively, over the next couple of months. People atop our Beta waitlist will be taken on, which thousands have already signed up to,” said Stake founder and CEO Matt Leibowitz. “You jump ahead in the queue each time you refer a friend to the waitlist. Sign up, refer and climb, and you’ll be trading for free on the ASX until 2022.” It’s one helluva shake-up to the market long-dominated by only… Read More

Category: FEATURES, FINANCE & INVESTING, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: ASX invest, Australian investing guide, Best investing apps, Best investment apps, Hello Stake, How to invest apps Australia, How to invest Australia, How to trade Australia, Investing apps, Investment apps, No brokerage investing, Stake, Stake app, Stake ASX, Stake Australian Stock Exchange

Latest in men’s wearable tech to leave you wanting more

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Doesn’t matter what you put where; if you’re a man who has sex, then you need the newly-launched product by We-Vibe. They’ve launched Bond, the newest wearable tech for men, worn around the male erogenous zones, can be worn in public, and controlled with the app for undercover teasing. It’s all about extending foreplay and building anticipation but is not meant to bring you to climax. So for those who are after a kinky dinner out, playing in the cinema – while staying dressed – or long, erotic car drives (albeit dangerous!) then this is for you. With a remote control, you and any partner can be in control of your own arousal and pleasure, anywhere, any time. The result is an incredibly sexy feeling, made safe and discreet by We-Vibe Bond’s precision engineering, easy-on quick-release design and custom fit for any penis size. This wearable stimulation ring, controlled by app or remote, celebrates the bond between sexual partners, and emphasises the importance of curious, adventurous intimacy. Here are some of the highlights of the new tool: Custom fit Easy to put on and take off Remote control Ergonomic shape 10 intensity levels We-Connect app Super-soft silicone Waterproof (IPX7) 90 minutes charge Up to 2 hours of play Whisper quiet Low power alert Get your own for $149 from Amazon Australia

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: Bond, Latest in men's wearable tech to leave you wanting more, Sex toys, We Vibe

The Greek holiday you need: Santorini Wellness Oasis at Mystique

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

After the last almost two years we’ve had, you can’t be blamed for need a bit (read: a LOT) of downtime. So, why not get some? Thanks to the fact UK residents can now travel to a few prime locations around Europe, now’s the time to seize the opportunity to visit that long-awaited destination of Santorini. One of the island’s leading hospitality venues, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, perched on the Caldera cliffs of Oia in Santorini, has partnered with OPO wellness and technology studio to create an immersive meditation program for their guests and the community to experience. Each meditation program will allow you to connect with the captivating surroundings. This includes ‘Today’ meditations which are split between 4 sessions; Morning Rise, Daytime Chill, Evening Reflections and Night Sky, and the ‘Learn To Meditate’ programme, which is designed for those who are familiar with the benefits of meditation, but have not yet experienced them. During their stay, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a tranquil stroll through the cobbled streets to capture the beautiful sunrise on the island. Here’s a break down: Today’ sessions include: Morning Rise: a guided meditation infused with 3D sounds that actively promotes greater brain activity and a release of serotonin that can be maintained throughout the rest of the day as the guest wakes up. Daytime Chill: helpsmaintain a chilled vibe by listening to further calming sounds, tones and words during the day to keep in one’s best, most relaxed state. Evening Reflections: this meditation allows decompression by reflecting on the day with appreciation. Deeper 3D… Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Greek hotels, Mystique Hotel, Santorini hotel, Santorini hotels

Meet Stake: new, local broker giving you access to Wall Street

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The 21st century is all about challenger fintechs and app-based share trading for everyone. From Australia to the USA and everywhere in-between, investing and day trading are big business for individuals and the companies like Stake that give them unfettered access to investing in Wall Street. It actually even comes from Australia, offering locals the chance to invest with the Wall Street bigwigs from all the way over here. Here are some first time tips! Following examples first forged by the likes of Trading 212 and eToro, Stake’s $0 philosophy offers first time investors and those who’re building a more robust portfolio a more-than-affordable opportunity into the world’s markets. And for those whose cuppa tea isn’t the USA, then never fear; they’re launching into the ASX super soon, too. Stake offers access to ETFs, indices, Silicon Valley, retail and so much more and even filters according to uppers, downers, popular choices and compiles it all into a genuinely cool and very now user interface that you’d seriously have to struggle at life in general to not figure out. Keep watch on THE F for further updates and tips in investing from the pros at Stake. Get the Stake iPhone app here and the Play Store here

Category: FEATURES, FINANCE & INVESTING, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australia Stake app, local broker giving you access to Wall Street, Meet Stake new, Share investing app, Share trading app, Stake app, Stake Australia, Stake investing

Holiday in New Zealand with mini itineraries for your personality dream type

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

During a year full of highs and lows, quarantine-free travel is not the only dream that has infiltrated the minds of Australians. The opening of the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand marks a significant moment in history and a tourism first. New research conducted by Tourism New Zealand has revealed 60% of Australians are dreaming of a trip to New Zealand in the first six months of borders reopening. With 98% in favour of the bubble, pent-up wanderlust is at an all-time high. From having fun (53%) to feeling refreshed (53%), taking a break from stress (40%) and exploring new places (39%) – this is what Australians are looking forward to. Aussies are keen to know the true meaning of their dreams, and how this links to travel to reveal your ‘dream personality’. Dream Therapist Martina Kocian has unpacked the meaning behind how Aussies slumber. If your dream personality manifests in dream themes of adventure, the outdoors, food, luxury, and relaxation, the opening of quarantine-free travel may be the answer to your dreams: THE ADVENTUROUS DREAM PERSONALITY EAT Orbit 360° Dining – Auckland’s only rotating restaurant, atop Sky Tower at Sky City. Soaring high above the city offering sensational views. Te Motu – An exciting restaurant on Waiheke Island, surrounded by vineyards and vegetable gardens. You can enjoy some amazing traditional dishes, full of fresh local produce. STAY Raglan Treehouse in the Woods – With a stunning outdoor bath with views of the ocean, you will really feel disconnected from the real world here. Surrounded… Read More

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: holiday ideas, Holiday in New Zealand with mini itineraries for your personality dream type, How to travel New Zealand, New Zealand travel guide, NZ holiday ideas

Sydney cocktail bars: Billich Champagne bar

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

While Melbourne’s locked down and Brisbane is on the back foot, make the most of the freedoms in Sydney and celebrate with champagne! Escape the mundane and embrace luxury in the Billich Champagne bar, where glasses of Pommery champagne are served with sparkling diamonds and you can snack on truffle fries dusted with 24 karat gold. In light of keeping it bougie, enter this European-like oasis – as close as you’ll get until 2022 – and spend an hour or two soaking up the sun on the patio, strolling through the illustrious gallery of Charles Billich, or listening to captivating live music performances from renowned artists all with a glass of champagne in hand. The bar was created to breathe life back into the Rocks, offering something more refined for visitors, including those with a ridiculously expensive taste. On offer’s the most expensive cocktail in Sydney with a pricetag of $7500 – that was sold in the first week! For more info, check out Billich Champagne bar’s website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bars guide Sydney, Champagne bar, sydney bar, Sydney cocktail bars Billich Champagne bar

5 tips to support World Environment Day

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

Every three seconds, the world loses enough forests to fill a football field, and as much as 50% of our national coral reefs have been destroyed. In addition, due to our own excess waste, more than 13 billion single use plastic bottles end up in landfill in Australia alone. However, this World Environment Day provides a fantastic opportunity for Australians to gather together and inspire positive change in our communities, by rethinking our consumption habits, developing green initiatives and learning to live more sustainably. Josh Howard, CEO and Founder of cult Australian sustainability brand, Single Use Ain’t Sexy, provides his top 5 tips for how any Aussie can support World Environment Day this Saturday, without investing a large amount of money, or even leaving your home (sorry Melbourne!). Read Product Labels Whether it’s the fruit or groceries you buy, or the clothing you wear, it’s important to read the labels on products you purchase. Be sure to look for clear signs the product is genuinely helping the environment and supporting safe working standards. If you’re not sure what to lookout for, a few logos include: Fair Trade Australian Certified Organic Forest Stewardship Council Green Tick Water/Energy Rating A full list of indicators can be found here, but be sure to understand which products are genuinely looking to help the environment, and which are just ‘greenwashing’ their branding without any real positive impact. Use ‘Water Wisdom’ A really simple and effective way to help look after your environment, is to use Water Wisdom. We’ve all heard… Read More

Category: ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Josh Howard, Single Use Ain't Sexy, World Environment Day

Winter igloos are back at The Winery and Cargo Bar Sydney

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

The days are getting darker, but we’re trying to keep our moods brighter: enter igloos right in the heart of Sydney, to drink away the dark. Back again after previous years’ success, Surry Hill’s favourite, The Winery and harbourside destination, Cargo Bar are bringing back their Winter Igloos, popping up this June for you to escape into a winter wonderland under the sun and stars. The Winery, Surry Hills Sydney The igloos have taken over the iconic Winery laneway path and transformed it from its summery Instagrammable vibe, to a wintry one. Each igloo holds up to 8 guests, with a minimum booking of 4. The 2 hour Igloo package includes a menu of marinated olives, Sydney rock oysters, crispy spinach, ricotta and pine nut ravioli, The Winery Sausage Roll, baked Camembert with grilled sourdough and a Triple Chocolate Brownie with vanilla-bean ice cream and chocolate sauce. Dates: 8 June – 26 September Opening Hours: Daily Bookings: 12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm, 7.30pm Pricing: Private Igloo – $59pp, 2 Hour Bottomless Beverage Igloo – $89pp Book here Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour Sydney Intimate, but with some quality views and atmosphere all conveniently close to the water, these igloos are as warming as they are trendy. The 90-minute Igloo package includes a bespoke menu of mac and cheese balls, birria tacos, buffalo wings, margherita pizza and the choice of hour beer or wine. Guests can also opt to indulge in a $10 Espresso Martini upon their arrival. Each igloo holds 2 – 8 guests. Dates: 17 June –… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Cargo Bar, Cargo Bar Sydney, Igloo pop up Sydney, Igloos Sydney, the winery, winery sydney, Winter igloos are back at The Winery and Cargo Bar Sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.