FOOD & DRINK

Discover the home of Australian whisky at Starward’s new distillery and bar precinct

16/04/2024

After winning 24 Double Gold medals in 2 years, Starward goes even bigger with its recent unveiling of a brand-new distillery tour and bar experience.

Adelaide Hills wineries worth a visit

12/04/2024

By James Banham

Renowned for its cool climate, this picturesque locale offers an ideal terroir for producing some of the most exquisite wines known to connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.

A unique fusion of whiskey and art in Sydney

12/04/2024

By James Banham

The ‘Glenfiddich x Jordan Gogos Pop-Up Bar’, is an initiative set to enchant Sydneysiders from 17th April to 8th May, 2024.

Ruben’s Deli does good food in Melbourne’s Armadale

12/04/2024

By James Banham

What really sets this Melbourne gem apart isn’t just its delectable sandwiches; it’s the incredible catering service spearheaded by owner Amanda Ruben, that’s capturing the hearts of food lovers across the city.

Sweet Greek Delights in Melbourne

12/04/2024

By James Banham

Sweet Greek is offering the same beloved seasonal dishes with a fresh new look that promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Tag: mamma mia

MAMMA MIA hits Melbourne: spectacular celebration of love, laughter and friendship

by THE F

Posted: 08/10/2023

The global musical phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! The Musical, has taken its final bow on the Australian tour, leaving an indelible mark on audiences with its vibrant energy, infectious tunes, and heartwarming narrative. The iconic ABBA hit songs had audiences dancing in the aisles from Sydney to Brisbane, and now, Melbourne’s Princess Theatre has been painted with the same vivacious colours of joy and nostalgia. Elise McCann, donning the platforms as the Dynamos lead singer, Donna Sheridan, delivers a captivating performance that leaves audiences spellbound. McCann’s theatre career shines brightly in her portrayal, cementing her status as one of Australia’s finest stage talents. Emerging Australian actor Sarah Krndija steps into the shoes of Donna’s daughter and bride-to-be, Sophie. With her recent roles in 9 to 5 The Musical and Friends The Musical Parody, Krndija brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the role. The dynamite duo of Bianca Bruce and Deone Zanotto complete the Dynamo trio, providing the perfect counterbalance to McCann’s Donna. Their camaraderie is palpable, and their performances are filled with vivacity and charm. Martin Crewes, Drew Livingston, and Tim Wright bring to life the three unsuspecting fathers with aplomb, each contributing their unique flair to the whimsical story. Lewis Francis, as Sophie’s adoring fiancé Sky, showcases his talent with a tender and engaging performance. Newcomers Nina Carmen and Kadesa Honeyhill, along with Jordan Tomljenovic and Etuate Lutui, add an extra layer of verve to the ensemble. The supporting cast, too numerous to name individually, all contribute to the overall success of the show… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, MELBOURNE, THEATRE

Tags: Abba, mamma mia, Mamma Mia Abba

You need to see MAMMA MIA! The Musical in Melbourne

by THE F

Updated: 08/11/2018

This July until October, the acclaimed Mamma Mia! The Musical is doing its rounds in Melbourne, setting budding singers, dancers and all-round ABBA-lovers’ alike into a frenzy. Showcasing the ultimate line-up of all the best ABBA songs, the musical – a stage version stake of the movie starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters – the Mamma Mia! musical is an uplifing, fun-filled, heartfelt and hilarious night at the theatre. Produced in Australia by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers & Linda Bewick, the production is a brand new Australian production starring Natalie O’Donnell as mother-of-the-bride Donna Sheridan. Natalie starred in the original Australian production of MAMMA MIA! as Sophie in 2001 seeing her come full circle now leading this new production in the role of Donna. Much like the original, the production is set on a Greek island paradise and inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs. The whole thing was adapted for the stage and written by Catherine Johnson’s heart-warming tale which still centres around a young bride-to-be. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The Australian production is Directed by Helpmann Award winner Gary Young, with the creative team also including Choreographer Tom Hodgson, Musical Supervisor Stephen Amos, Set Design by Linda Bewick, Costume Design by Suzy Strout and Lighting Design byGavan Swift and Sound design by Michael Waters. A beautiful bride, a proud mother and three possible fathers. It’s a trip down the aisle you’ll remember forever. See more… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, THEATRE

Tags: ABBA stage production, mamma mia, mamma mia melbourne, melbourne theatre, Melbourne theatre review

ARTS & CULTURE

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

The Resurrected Art of Silence: Shooshfest—Australia’s First Silent Film Festival In a bold leap for Australian cinema, the inaugural Shooshfest promises not only to showcase art in film but also to redefine what it means to tell a story without words. The brainchild of a trio of avid cinephiles, Rebecca Zemunik, Daniel New, and Maddison Costello, Shooshfest stakes its claim as Australia’s first-ever silent short film competition. Unlike traditional film festivals, this groundbreaking event invites creators from all walks of life—beyond just filmmakers— to weave cinematic magic without uttering a single word. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shoosh Fest (@shooshfest) The Silent Era Redefined Far from the silent film era of the past, where the medium was defined by technological limitations, Shooshfest asks participants to engage with silence as a narrative choice and a powerful tool for emotion. Through the absence of spoken words, this silent film festival beckons creators to rediscover the raw and visceral storytelling methods of the 1920s mavericks who defied the standards of their time. The festival’s vision is clear: to inspire and challenge modern filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike to innovate and connect on a deep, emotive level with audiences using the silent canvas. Innovation in the realm of storytelling is at the core of Shooshfest, with a clear goal to bridge past traditions with contemporary creativity. A Silent Revolution in Australia’s Film Scene Set in the heart of Sydney, Shooshfest aims to celebrate the very essence of cinematic storytelling. On the hallowed stage of the historic… Read More

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

11/04/2024

By James Banham

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.

New gallery in Sydney: A Secondary Eye opens

05/04/2024

By James Banham

Sydney, Australia is set to welcome a profound addition to its art scene as A Secondary Eye announces the launch of a new gallery space nestled in the arts district of Woollahra. Opening its doors on Friday, 3 May 2024, this new venture promises a fresh perspective on Australian Indigenous and contemporary art. Founded in 2020 by Jesse-Jack De Deyne, a seasoned specialist in the secondary market for Australian Indigenous art, and Boris Cornelissen, formerly of Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, A Secondary Eye has quickly established itself as a key player in the art world. Their focus on developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia has led to the exhibition and sale of works by prominent artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Sidney Nolan, and Fred Williams, among others. The gallery’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with several pieces entering the collections of Australia’s most prestigious art institutions. Strategically located in Queen Street, a spot historically linked with the crème de la crème of secondary market art dealers, the new gallery is poised to continue its tradition of excellence. The inaugural exhibition will shine a spotlight on Rover Thomas, a luminary and trailblazer in the Australian art landscape. Known for his significant influence on the East Kimberley school of painting, Thomas’s works are lauded for their modernist abstraction and profound connection to ancestral land and Indigenous life. The exhibition, titled “Rover: Master of the Kimberley”, marks the first solo presentation of Thomas’s work in Sydney in nearly two decades. It will showcase… Read More

Momentous moment in art at National Gallery London

05/04/2024

By James Banham

In 2025, the art world will witness a remarkable event at the National Gallery as “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300?1350” opens its doors in spring, marking the 200th anniversary of the institution. This exhibition promises an unprecedented reunion of paintings by some of the most celebrated Italian artists of the 14th century, artworks that have been scattered across the globe for centuries. Highlighting this unique collection are masterpieces in gold ground, many originally part of larger compositions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the innovative spirit of Western painting tradition from this era. The spotlight of the exhibition is the coming together of several panels from the revolutionary double-sided altarpiece, the Maestà, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna for the cathedral in Siena. Recognized as the first double-sided altarpiece in Western art, this narrative shift in art will be showcased along with other significant pieces from the ensemble. Notably, the National Gallery’s panels from the Maestà will be reunited with works like “Christ and the Woman of Samaria” from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and “The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Another focal point is the reunion of the Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini, a folding piece created for private devotion, likely for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini. Dispersed between prestigious institutions – the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin – the exhibition will bring together all six panels for a rare presentation. Besides these reunifications, the exhibition… Read More

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Carmen is coming to Sadler’s Wells in London

04/04/2024

By James Banham

In an event that harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary flair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre unfolds its red carpet for Acosta Danza, as they present the UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s version of Carmen from the 2nd to the 6th of July, 2024. This adaptation by the dance legend Carlos Acosta gives a new lease of life to Georges Bizet’s opera, stirring the soul nearly two centuries after Prosper Mérimée penned the original story. Carlos Acosta himself steps onto the stage, not just as a creator but as a performer, embodying ‘The Bull’ – a symbol of fate and destiny. This role, specially crafted by Acosta, emerges from his deep-seated desire to encapsulate the essence of the narrative while marking his departure from the Royal Ballet. His rendition of Carmen holds onto the timeless and universal appeal of the tale yet introduces a fresh perspective by minimising the setting to its core elements. Joining forces with Acosta Danza are Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva, alongside guest stars from the Birmingham Royal Ballet – Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan, who will portray Carmen, Don José, and Escamillo, respectively. This cast embodies the spirit of the characters they portray, bringing to life the tragic tale of love, passion, and jealousy. Carmen’s story has always captivated the imagination of many, attracting a variety of choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Roland Petit to its fiery core. The opera’s enchanting melodies like the ‘Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ continue to resonate, underscoring the opera’s enduring popularity… Read More