FOOD & DRINK

Where to go for good seafood in Bondi

24/04/2024

Welcome to the future of seafood dining – welcome to Uncut Seafood Delicatessen. This isn’t just another fish shop; it’s a vibrant revolution brought to life by the dynamic Lucas siblings – Nic, Jack, and Kaitlin. Opening its doors on April 26th on bustling Bondi Road, this delicatessen is the culmination of a lifelong passion, a rich family legacy in fish mongering, and an ambitious dream turned reality. At Uncut Seafood Delicatessen, forget everything you thought you knew about traditional seafood joints. This is where the Lucas trio’s vision comes to life, offering a fresh, modern spin on seafood that’s as delightful to your health as it is to your taste buds. Gone are the days of heavy, fried fish dishes. Instead, prepare your palate for an elevated seafood experience that prioritises freshness, flavour, and nutritional value. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in an atmosphere that blends the sophistication of a high-end designer boutique with the inviting warmth of a family-run establishment. Every detail, from the Taj Mahal quartzite countertops to the bespoke zellige tiled walls and refined brass accents, tells a story of meticulous design and an unwavering commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. But the real magic lies in the menu. Directly sourced from local Australian fishermen and the renowned Sydney fish markets, every dish served is a testament to the Lucas family’s rich heritage and unparalleled expertise in seafood. Whether you opt for dine-in or take-away, you’re in for a treat with their freshly cut sashimi, perfectly shucked oysters,… Read More

A place to eat in Coogee: Marra Bar & Grill

22/04/2024

By James Banham

As the leaves turn and we welcome the cooler, more reflective seasons of autumn and winter, the Coogee Bay Hotel proudly unveils its latest culinary delights at the renowned Marra Bar & Grill. This eagerly anticipated menu refresh aligns perfectly with the launch of the “Quintessentially Coogee” campaign, a heartfelt initiative designed to reward patrons and cement the hotel’s deep-rooted allegiance to its local community. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Coogee and boasting unparalleled views of its iconic beach, Marra Bar & Grill has long stood as a beacon of exceptional dining. This season’s offerings bring to the table an enriched palette of flavors, starting with perfectly seared Scallops atop a rustic blend of crushed peas and potato scallops – a true homage to autumn’s bounty. The curated Charcuterie Board, with its fine selection of Ortiz anchovies, delicately shaved jamón, and De Palma salami, along with marinated olives and pickles, provides the perfect shareable feast for those crisp coastal evenings. Continuing with the theme of comforting classics, the menu features the heartwarming Bangers & Mash—pork & fennel sausages served over a bed of silky colcannon and finished with a mustard jus. The oven-roasted half chicken, accompanied by kipfler potatoes seasoned with thyme and parmesan, captures the essence of home-cooked warmth. For those seeking a more refined touch to the traditional pub fare, the Wagyu Burger offers a gourmet twist, and the zesty Chicken Wings, served with a cooling ranch dressing, promise to tantalize the taste buds. Seafood lovers are not forgotten, with the Casarecce… Read More

Go to Adrian Richardson’s new Italian joint, Pasta Bambino

22/04/2024

By James Banham

Affordable Gourmet Pasta and Classic Cocktails at Bouvier Bar In a heartwarming homage to his Italian roots and an answer to the current economic squeeze, celebrated chef Adrian Richardson unveils ‘Pasta Bambino’, a winter pop-up nestled within the cozy confines of Bouvier Bar, on Melbourne’s iconic Lygon Street. Offering an escape into the warmth of Italian cuisine, this pop-up is poised to serve up an array of classic Italian pasta dishes, alongside handcrafted cocktails and wine, all priced to please. Since its opening in 2017, Bouvier Bar has become a staple in Brunswick East, known for its classic cocktails and unmatched hospitality. Adrian Richardson, the culinary force behind La Luna Bistro and now Pasta Bambino, aims to stir the pot in the current dining scene with affordable, yet gourmet, pasta offerings reflective of his Italian heritage. Drawing from childhood memories of making pasta from scratch with his Italian grandparents, Adrian’s approach with Pasta Bambino is simple yet profound. “Some of my fondest food memories are helping my Italian grandparents in the kitchen,” Richardson recounts, tying his culinary endeavors back to his foundational experiences with food. The pop-up restaurant’s menu sings a ballad of traditional Italian comfort food, with the promise of changing offerings to keep the palette intrigued. Patrons can look forward to starting their meals with tasty smaller plates like crumbed and fried mozzarella and an antipasto board brimming with Mediterranean delights. Main dishes feature a variety of handmade and locally sourced gourmet pasta such as casarecce bolognese and fresh ricotta gnocchi, not to… Read More

ST. ALi coffee in Melbourne has a new shop

20/04/2024

By James Banham

ST. ALi, the revered Melbourne coffee institution, is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest venture on Bali’s shores. This April, coffee aficionados and culinary enthusiasts will be welcomed at the brand new ST. ALi cafe located on the ground floor of the avant-garde FURTHER HOTEL in the lively and promising district of Pererenan. This expansion marks a significant milestone, promising to infuse Bali’s blossoming coffee scene with ST. ALi’s celebrated blend of premium coffee and gastronomic flair. “Expanding into Bali presents an exhilarating opportunity for us to introduce the ST. ALi philosophy to a wider audience. Pererenan’s evolving culinary landscape and its rich, immersive culture provide the ideal setting for our brand to flourish,” proclaimed Lachlan Ward, CEO of ST. ALi. FURTHER HOTEL has quickly made its mark since its establishment in 2023, earning accolades for its innovative hotel concept that seamlessly integrates with the community ethos of Bali’s southwest coastline. This collaboration between ST. ALi and FURTHER HOTEL is set to enrich the guest experience significantly, marrying the hotel’s novel approach with ST. ALi’s expertise in coffee and cuisine. “Partnering with ST. ALi to bring the essence of Melbourne’s coffee culture to Pererenan is a fulfillment of a long-held aspiration,” expressed Simon Digby, Co-Founder of FURTHER HOTEL. “Facing some of Bali’s most sought-after surf spots, we anticipate ST. ALi will become a morning hub for surfers eager for their coffee fix.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by ST ALi INDONESIA (@stali.id) In line with this partnership, ST. ALi Bali,… Read More

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

16/04/2024

By Danielle Kirk

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.

Tag: sydney theatre

Get your tickets for Grease on stage in Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 04/04/2024

Tonight marks the grand opening of the much-anticipated stage production, GREASE, at the Capitol Theatre, a show that has already garnered rave reviews. Described as “close to perfection” by Broadway World and a “bucket list production” by Theatre Matters, this spectacle promises an unforgettable experience. The cast features some of Australia’s most loved performers, including Patti Newton, Marcia Hines, and Jay Laga’aia, alongside a talented group of actors who bring the vibrant world of Rydell High to life. The final tickets are on pre-sale today, with the availability opening to the general public on Friday, 5 April. After its Sydney season, the production is set to wow audiences in Perth and Brisbane, showcasing the timeless appeal of GREASE. Critics have lauded the show for its “non-stop extravaganza of electrifying hits” (The AU Review) and praised its “slicker, sexier and bursting with raw energy” production (Aussie Theatre). With a star-studded cast, including Joseph Spanti as Danny Zuko and Annelise Hall as Sandy, this production brings together an array of talent that shines in every performance. The iconic songs, dazzling costumes, and dynamic choreography make GREASE a must-see production that captures the essence of the beloved film. Be sure to follow the excitement and updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @GreaseOzTour. Book your tickets early and immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of GREASE – the production that proves this classic tale is still the word! For further information and tickets visit www.greasemusical.com.au

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

Tags: Grease, Grease Sydney, sydney theatre

Club Kabarett and Spiegeltent returns to Sydney

fire dancer woman theatre Bernie Dieter s Club Kabarett by 0540 240120 MatthewGedling

by James Banham

Posted: 31/03/2024

Sydney, get ready to be seduced all over again! The incomparable, utterly salacious Bernie Dieter is making a triumphant return to Sydney in her legendary show Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett. From 29 May to 28 July, the opulence and otherworldliness of the Sydney Spiegeltent will transport us to the Berlin Underground with an intoxicating blend of theatrics, circus, aerials, and kabarett. Bringing together a diverse menagerie of misfits and mischief-makers, an electrifying live band, and a mix of Bernie’s iconic and brand-new music, it is a riotous evening that pushes physical boundaries, embraces non-conformity, and sits comfortably on the edge of danger, whilst also tickling your bohemian, gender-bending, and debaucherous funny bone. After sell-out seasons across the globe and setting London’s West End ablaze, Bernie is back in Sydney after a two-year absence, promising a cabaret experience that’s more provocative, more daring, and more outrageously entertaining than ever before. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where the extraordinary is the norm, and the line between the audacious and the sublime is tantalizingly blurred. Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a feast for the senses, showcasing a dizzying collection of the most exceptional artists in the world, from hair hanging to fire breathing, unique aerials to toe-curling contortionists. Bernie’s unique brand of risqué humour, original songs, and bold covers will span the gamut from The Beatles to Gwen Stefani, ensuring every moment is filled with surprise, delight, and a touch of debauchery. This east coast exclusive is your invitation to join the ultimate party, a… Read More

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

Tags: Cabaret Sydney, Club Kabarett, Spiegeltent, Spiegeltent Sydney, Sydney Spiegeltent, sydney theatre

Limbo The Return: a highlight of Sydney theatre

by James Banham

Posted: 15/03/2024

Welcome to a circus spectacle of otherworldly proportions, “LIMBO The Return” is the exhilarating new headline show captivating audiences at The Grand Electric, the hottest venue in town. This acclaimed production marries the thrilling essence of live circus, cabaret, and acrobatics with the heart-pounding live music composed by New York’s own Jank master, Sxip Shirey. Set in a realm delicately balanced between heaven and hell, “LIMBO The Return” showcases an international ensemble of top-tier circus performers and musicians, creating an experience that transcends the ordinary. Having spellbound crowds in Spiegeltents across Newcastle and Adelaide, “LIMBO The Return” now sets its sights on Sydney for its headline season. The show has been embraced with open arms, drawing in audiences eager to witness its jaw-dropping, fire-breathing, and gravity-defying acts. Critics, too, have been fervently enthusiastic, with Upside Adelaide awarding the show a five-star review, lauding it as “a whirlwind of excitement and wonder… that will leave you wanting more.” Elsewhere, See Do Eat Review echoed this acclaim in their own five-star praise, highlighting the band as “musical geniuses” and heralding the show as their “favourite show of the Fringe”. More than a decade ago, the original LIMBO production propelled its creators, Strut & Fret, onto the global stage. After selling out at the Sydney Festival, it embarked on an international tour gracing stages from Brussels to Bogota. The show even captivated Madonna, who attended twice during its London season. Its follow-up, “LIMBO Unhinged,” enjoyed a hugely successful and critically acclaimed run at the Sydney Opera House, before… Read More

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

Tags: Limbo, sydney theatre

And Juliet musical comes to Sydney

Lorinda May Merrypor plays Juliet in JULIET pic Eugene Hyland 3

by James Banham

Posted: 26/02/2024

The theatrical world is abuzz as the smash hit musical & JULIET prepares to captivate Sydney audiences, with preview performances igniting the stage from 27 February. This critically acclaimed production has already taken Melbourne, Singapore, and Perth by storm — eliciting praise such as “heart-blowing, transformative & irresistible” (The Australian) and being hailed as “triumphant” with a “uniformly brilliant” cast (News.com.au). Heralded for a performance that could only be described as “jaw-droppingly good” by ABC Radio Melbourne, Lorinda May Merrypor shines in the iconic role of Juliet. Joined by Rob Mills – Australian music veteran as the whimsical Shakespeare – and an ensemble of stellar talent including music theatre icon Amy Lehpamer, chart-topping Casey Donovan, and the versatile Hayden Tee, & JULIET’s Australian production promises an unrivaled theatrical experience. The jubilant legacy of & JULIET is set to expand as tickets fly off the virtual shelves of Ticketmaster, with shows slated through to 2 June. As the narrative saunters into Sydney’s vibrant cultural scene, Lorinda May Merrypor shares her enthusiasm: “It is such a joy to share the story of & JULIET with even more people in Sydney. We cannot wait to be back on the stage, singing and dancing with everyone each night!” Reinventing the narrative of one of literature’s most tragic heroines, & JULIET offers an alternative tale where Juliet’s poignant end is merely the beginning of a riveting journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The musical’s heart pulsates through a soundtrack of Max Martin’s pop anthems, earning it nine Tony Award® nominations, including… Read More

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

Tags: And Juliet, Romeo and Juliet, sydney theatre, sydney whats on

A night of music and dance: West Side Story returns to Sydney Harbour in 2024!

Opera Australia West Side Story HOSH dance

by James Banham

Posted: 18/09/2023

Hold onto your seats, Sydney! Opera Australia (OA) has just announced that the sensational musical West Side Story will be making a triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024. And that’s not all – OA is thrilled to renew its partnerships with Dr Haruhisa Handa’s International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Destination NSW, ensuring a spectacular season for all to enjoy. If you missed out on the electrifying production of West Side Story when it first hit the stage in 2019, now is your chance to experience this larger-than-life extravaganza. The show received thunderous applause and became the most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production to date, drawing record-breaking crowds and selling over 65,000 tickets. Prepare to be captivated by the monumental stage, vibrant costumes, and an exceptional cast of singers and dancers as they once again grace the iconic Mrs Macquaries Point. With unmatched views of Sydney’s famous skyline and a breathtaking nightly fireworks display, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour offers an unrivaled theatrical experience that will leave you in awe. Directed by the brilliant Francesca Zambello, West Side Story transports the energy and grit of New York City right to Sydney Harbour. The iconic songs and mesmerizing dance numbers will have you on the edge of your seat, bringing the magic of this musical masterpiece to life. And let’s not forget Jerome Robbins’ famed choreography, which will once again set the over-water stage ablaze. Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, expressed her excitement about the continued… Read More

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

Tags: Best theatre Sydney, hosh, Opera House, sydney guide, sydney theatre, West SIde Story on stage, West Side Story Sydney, what's on sydney

Cinderella on stage is coming to Sydney!

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

by James Banham

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

Sydney theatre review: Billy Elliot is in town

BILLY-ELLIOT-THE-MUSICAL-AUSTRALIA-2019-20-River-Mardesic-Aaron-Smyth-PIC-CREDIT-JAMES-D.-MORGAN

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/11/2022

Dust off the tutu and slide on your tap shoes because Billy Elliot is back in town. Based on the movie of the same name which was released back in 2000, Billy Elliot the Musical is a celebration of dance, infused with comedy, drama and inspiring music by Elton John. Originally premiering in London’s West End in 2005, the musical first toured Australia in 2007 for two years. After a 10 year absence, the production is back in Australia, playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until December 15, 2019. It then plays at the Festival Theatre in Adelaide from December 2019, the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from February 2020, the Crown Theatre in Perth from June 2020 and QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from July 2020. The show opens by taking the audience back to 1984, to a small coal-mining village in Northern England just as the coal miners’ strike is unfolding under the Thatcher government. Billy’s mother is no longer with us, so Billy is being brought up by Jackie, his working class father who is a coal miner (played by Justin Smith) and Billy’s grandmother (played by Vivien Davies). The role of Billy Elliot is being shared by four young talented actors – Omar Abiad, River Mardesic, Wade Neilsen and Jamie Rogers. Also appearing in the cast is respected Australian actor Robert Grubb, who plays Billy’s hilarious boxing coach, George. We follow Billy on his life journey during some of Britain’s most turbulent times as it takes him out of the boxing ring… Read More

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

Tags: Billy Elliot, Billy Elliot review, Billy Elliot Sydney, Billy Elliot SYdney review, sydney theatre, Sydney theatre review

Saturday Night Fever in Sydney: The season’s must-see disco fest

by Emi Berry

Posted: 25/05/2019

Take a step back in time to when extravagant sequined clothing was pretty standard on a Saturday night, the disco club scene was hot and dancing was high energy, sophisticated and positively sexual. Add some of the funkiest Bee Gees disco tracks to this scenario and what do you have? One the most entertaining stage shows to hit Sydney – Saturday Night Fever. Just to take it up a notch, let’s throw in an appearance from Australia’s original disco diva Marcia Hines. Saturday Night Fever has been running at the Lyric Theatre since April 2019 and has been wowing crowds with its sensational choreography since, but sadly the production is coming to an end, wrapping up on 2 June 2019. Based on the original 1977 movie starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever the stage show features all your favourite Bee Gee hits including Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancing, More Than A Woman, How Deep Is Your Love, Tragedy, Jive Talkin’ and more. Plus, you’ll also get to seat dance to other great disco hits such as Boogie Shoes and If I Can’t Have You. The original movie and its enormous success back in the 70’s was credited with extending the life of disco, as the trend was initially on its way out. Fast forward to 2019 and here we are, revisiting those memories and celebrating one of the most popular music movements of the last 60 years. The incredibly talented cast of the Australian production of Saturday… Read More

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

Tags: Saturday Night Fever, Saturday Night Fever review, Saturday Night fever review Sydney Lyric Theatre, Saturday Night Fever Sydney, sydney theatre

Shakespeare in Sydney: See The Tempest at the Seymour Centre

The Tempest - Amy Usherwood and Drew Livington by Seiya Taguchi

by James Banham

Updated: 19/04/2019

For those comprehension of the English language is adept enough to throw it right back tot he 15th century, then rejoice, Shakespeare’s back in Sydney. One of the Bard’s truly original and most personal plays, The Tempest is a symphonic vision of forgiveness, discovery and self-discovery – famous for its language, context, enchanting characters and breathtaking theatricality. It’s this is a reflection of the world’s most famous playwright at the height of his powers and at the end of his remarkable career and this month, is on at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. This year’s production is by Sydney theatre group, Sport for Jove and will appear at The Seymour Centre played house to this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, hosting such epic productions as Briefs and KING. This 100-minute production of The Tempest compresses the action of the play while retaining the joy and magic. Now in its third season, this production from Artistic Director Damien Ryan will delight students and adults alike. Get tickets for only $28 and see more here.

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

Tags: Seymour Centre, Shakespeare Sydney, Shakespeare Tempest Sydney, Shakespeare The Tempes, Sport for Jove, Sport for Jove Shakespeare Tempest, sydney theatre, Tempest Sydney, THE F Shakespeare, THE F Sport for Jove, THE F Tempest, Theatre in Sydney

Nominees for the 2018 Sydney Theatre Awards are…

by James Banham

Posted: 19/12/2018

The Seymour Centre is about to play host to Sydney’s Theatre Awards for 2018 after the nominees were announced. It’s time to get excited. Nominations in the 33 categories were spread across 49 productions which played on Sydney stages during 2018. Sydney Theatre Company has a clean sweep in the Best Mainstage Production category with Blackie Blackie Brown, The Harp In The South, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and Saint Joan all vying for the award, the first time one theatre company has dominated all nominations in this category. The nominees for Best Independent Production are The Flick (Outhouse Theatre Company in association with Seymour Centre), Metamorphoses (Apocalypse Theatre Company in association with Red Line Productions), Stupid Fucking Bird (New Theatre) and There Will Be A Climax (Red Line Productions in partnership with NIDA). The Sydney Theatre Awards are presented annually by a group of leading theatre critics to celebrate the strength, quality and diversity of theatre in Sydney. The panel consist of Elissa Blake (Audrey Journal), Jason Blake (Audrey Journal), Deborah Jones (The Australian), Jo Litson (Limelight), John McCallum (The Australian), Joyce Morgan (The Sydney Morning Herald), Ben Neutze (Time Out), John Shand (The Sydney Morning Herald) Diana Simmonds (Stagenoise), Cassie Tongue (Time Out) and Suzy Wrong (Suzy Goes See). Here are the nominees… BEST MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION Blackie Blackie Brown (Sydney Theatre Company) The Harp in the South (Sydney Theatre Company) The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Sydney Theatre Company) Saint Joan (Sydney Theatre Company) BEST INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION The Flick (Outhouse Theatre Company in association with Seymour Centre) Metamorphoses (Apocalypse Theatre Company in association with Red Line Productions) Stupid… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, THEATRE

Tags: sydney theatre, sydney theatre awards, sydney theatre awards 2018, sydney theatre awards nominees, sydney theatre company

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

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

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

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.