Arts

Interview with the AU: Lior Suchard – Master Mentalist

World renowned Mentalist Lior Suchard is heading to Australia this month for another national tour. Following sold out shows in 2015, Lior is back again to blow minds with his incredible techniques. I was lucky enough to chat with the Master Mentalist about his newfound fame, his world travels, and growing up with a strong…

Read more

The Best of 2015: The Arts Editor’s Picks

It’s been an incredible year for the Sydney arts scene. I managed to get to well over fifty productions this year, ranging from musicals to operas to theatre to experimental interactive experiences. It seems like each year there are more and more wonderful things to see! With so many fabulous productions it was tough to…

Read more

Theatre Review: The Importance Of Being Earnest – Bella Vista Farm, Sydney (Performances through to Dec 30th)

Sport for Jove’s The Importance of Being Earnest opens with perhaps one of the most perfectly choreographed scenes in theatre. Staged within an elaborate house and performed to “Le amour est un oiseux rebelle” from George Bizet’s opera Carmen, we see Algernon Moncrieff (Aaron Tsindos) after a long night of revelry, emerge and move about…

Read more

Review: The Sound Of Music – Capitol Theatre, Sydney (Performances through to February 2016)

From do-re-mi to hills to brown paper packages to yodelling to being sixteen (going on seventeen) to climbing mountains to solving problems like Maria and all the way to that beautiful little flower Edelweiss, mention The Sound of Music to anyone and they’ll surely be respond by singing any one of these fabulous tunes. It…

Read more

Arts Interview: Actor Matt Day Talks About The Return Season Of North By Northwest In Melbourne

For two weeks only, the incredible cast of North By Northwest are taking to the stage in the New Year for a return season. This Alfred Hitchcock classic will be brought to life on stage with the same incredible cast but with the addition of Gina Riley. We had a chat with lead actor Matt…

Read more

Arts Review: Miss Universal by Atlanta Eke – Chunky Move Studios, Melbourne (Performances to December 12th)

One of the beautiful things about contemporary dance is its ability to transcend mediums not often explored by mainstream dance disciplines. However, when it comes down to it, there does need to be a message that isn’t clouded by obscurity and organic motive. Miss Universal is Atlanta Eke’s second work commissioned in the Next Move…

Read more

Arts Interview: Writer Ben Elton talks about the 2016 Australian return of Queen Musical "We Will Rock You"

Back in August 2003, We Will Rock You first opened in Australia at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre. Written by Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Blackadder) and featuring no less than 24 songs from classic rock group Queen, the show was a huge success, with over 15 million theatregoers in 17 countries having since experienced the stage…

Read more

Arts Review: Jerry’s Girls – the Production Company – Arts Centre Melbourne (Performances To December 6)

What a breath of fresh air for Australian musical theatre. In recent years, we’ve tried to create our own original work but it hasn’t always translated. Well, let me tell you; this one translates. Starring 11 of the industry’s most dazzling ladies comes a show dedicated to celebrating the works of American composer and lyricist…

Read more

World-first exhibition “Degas: A New Vision” to open in June 2016 at the National Gallery of Victoria

In June 2016 a world-first exhibition will make its way to The National Gallery of Victoria for the thirteenth annual Melbourne Winter Masterpieces. Degas: A New Vision will showcase over 200 works of one of the world’s most loved artists in all of his disciplines, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and photography. Tony Ellwood Director…

Read more

Theatre Review: City of Angels – Life Like Company – Arts Centre Melbourne (Performances to November 8th)

Before you all start to fantasize about Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan, I must tell you; this musical is not the stage adaptation of the 1998 film of the same name. But, I can assure you it is just as juicy, just as sexy and just as heartfelt. City of Angels is all about the…

Read more

Theatre Review: The Cockatoos – Blue Room Theatre, Perth (Performances through November 7th)

Photo by Jon Green The Cockatoos is the latest work from writer and director Andrew Hale of Happy Dagger Theatre. Adapted from Nobel Prize winning author Patrick White’s short story The Cockatoos follows the goings on a suburban street in Australia; where under the surface of respectability there are plenty of secrets and dark goings…

Read more

The AU Interview: Actor Kane Alexander Talks “City of Angels” Australian Premiere

Having spent the last few weeks indulging in movies as part of his character research, actor Kane Alexander, is certain he and his cast members will bring to life one of Broadway’s most successful shows. Life Like Company have taken a risk bringing City of Angels to Australian audiences, but given the way Kane has…

Read more

Photographer Simon Griffiths celebrates the humble vessel in his new book Boat (Australia, 2015)

There are few who seem to understand the concept of the coffee table book as well as photographer Simon Griffiths, who today releases Boat – a “celebration of the humble vessel that symbolises escape, trade and travel” – as the press release aptly puts it. The beautifully designed book is one you can judge by…

Read more

Theatre Review: Benjamin & Me – Blue Room Theatre, Perth (Performances through October 24th)

Benjamin & Me is the latest work from writer, director, performer and purveyor of the ukulele, Mark Storen. It’s also the debut show for his new production company Whiskey + Boots. Benjamin & Me is quite simply a feat of storytelling and imagination. A show that is quirky, a little bit silly, but packed full…

Read more

A Midnight Oil reunion is not imminent – and four other things we learnt from Breakfast with Peter Garrett

Yesterday in Perth, I got to have breakfast with musician, activist and former government minister Peter Garrett as part of a tour to launch his newly released autobiography Big Blue Sky. OK so technically there was a room full of other people there as well… but still… Staged by WAM in partnership with independent bookstore…

Read more

Theatre Review: Jurassica – Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Melbourne (Performances To November 7)

Red Stitch is one of Melbourne’s leading theatre company’s and the fact I had not yet seen one of their shows is unacceptable. Well, I must say, the standard has now been set. Jurassica was my first taste of what sort of work this company can produce and it blew me away. There was really…

Read more

Interview: Matthew Backer discusses Sydney Theatre Company’s latest production Orlando

Orlando, based on Virgina Woolf’s novel of the same name, is a whimsical, magical tale of time and transformation. It follows the nobleman Orlando in the court of Elizabeth I who awakes transformed as a woman and begins a glorious journey of time travel in her way to find her true self. We caught up…

Read more

Robert Sheehan talks about playing Richard III in The Wars Of The Roses and ideal Game of Thrones deaths

Irish actor Robert Sheehan (pictured in the middle above) – best known for his work in the first two seasons of the series Misfits is currently appearing on stage is London as Richard III in Shakespeare’s The Wars of the Roses trilogy. While they were still in dress rehearsals, I caught up with the talented…

Read more

Theatre Review: Rent – Hayes Theatre Co, Sydney (Performances to 1st November)

RENT is just one of those musicals that everyone knows. Perhaps it’s due to the success of the film, or perhaps just because it’s story and characters are so resonating, but it has clearly become a mainstay staple in musical theatre 101s. For whatever reason it is also a musical that I had actually never…

Read more

Interview: Event Director Mathieu Ravier talks about the upcoming Jurassic Lounge Halloween event in Sydney

With Halloween just around the corner what better way to get into the spooky spirit then a night at Jurassic Lounge – Halloween special! Run amuck and discover your inner child as the Australian Museum opens it’s doors after hours once more. Event Director Mathieu Ravier gives us a sneak peek of what’s in store….

Read more

Ballet Review: Sleeping Beauty – Russian National Ballet Theatre (Australian Tour)

To me going to the ballet is more than watching a dance performance, it’s about the whole experience of the evening. The dancing is important of course, but there is this feeling- the excited little girls bouncing eagerly around their mothers and the groups of girlfriends (both young and old) all dressed up and walking…

Read more

Interview: The Chaser’s Julian Morrow discusses the upcoming 16th Inaugural Chaser Lecture

The Chaser boys will host The 16th Inaugural Chaser Lecture on Monday the 9th November at Sydney’s Town Hall. Delivered by one of the world’s most respected and influential political comedians, Egyptian Bassem Youssef, the evening promises to be immensely entertaining complete with a formal dinner and some after-dinner conversation. The Chaser’s Julian Morrow will…

Read more

Disney’s critically acclaimed Broadway musical Aladdin is coming to Sydney

Disney’s critically acclaimed Broadway musical Aladdin will be making its way to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in August next year. The show features the much loved music of the original film, as well as all new songs written especially for the stage. It opened on Broadway in 2014 and quickly became one of the most popular…

Read more

Extra shows added to Kevin Hart’s now mammoth What Now? Australian tour

Following overwhelming demand, actor and comedian Kevin Hart has announced two extra shows for the Australian leg of his international ‘What Now?’ tour in Sydney and Melbourne. Click through for the new dates, and how to purchase tickets! TOUR DATES MELBOURNE Thursday 4th February | Rod Laver Arena | NEW SHOW Friday 5th February |…

Read more

The Australian Fashion Chamber showcase the works of seven Australian designers in Paris

The Australian Fashion Chamber has hosted the Australian Designers Abroad Showroom in Paris which showcases the work of seven Australian Designers. Featuring both established and emerging fashion labels including: bassike, CAMILLA AND MARC, Christopher Esber, GINGER & SMART, Michael Lo Sordo, Romance Was Born and STRATEAS.CARLUCCI, designers were selected based on their industry skill, strength…

Read more

Arts Review: SDS1 – Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), Perth (On Tour through October)

‘The Beautiful Game’ is a well worn cliché that is off trotted out when talking about football. It seems to be the best you need to not only have tactical know how; but also have some fleet and fancy footwork and an array of tricks to outwit the opposing team’s defenders – I’m thinking your…

Read more

Theatre Review: Between Solar Systems – Blue Room Theatre, Perth (Performances through to 26th September)

Between Solar Systems is the latest work from emerging Perth theatre group Second Chance Theatre. Written and directed by Scott McArdle the play centres on the actions of Vincent, the sole survivor of Earth’s cataclysmic sea level rise, or is he? I’m going to try and get through this review without giving away too many…

Read more

Interview: Scott McArdle (Perth) talks about his latest play “Between Solar Systems” and favourite Sci-Fi

Ahead of the launch of his latest play Between Solar Systems, we caught up with writer and director Scott McArdle to find out a little bit more about the new play from his company Second Chance Theatre; and we couldn’t resist asking Scott for his favourite Science Fiction films or shows whilst we were at…

Read more

Festival of Dangerous Ideas Recap: Peter Greste "Journalistic Freedom" – Sydney Opera House (05.09.15)

“I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy… but it’s brought you all here today.” Peter Greste knows that journalists don’t have the best reputation at the moment. He even puts them up with used car salesmen and politicians in public opinion. But all jokes aside, Greste spoke at this year’s Festival…

Read more

Theatre Review: Latitudes – Blue Room Theatre, Perth (Performances through September 5th)

Latitudes is the new play from emerging Perth theatre group The Lost Boys, and marks the debut theatrical work from acclaimed screenwriter, film maker and musician Mark Walsh. Directed by Mikala Westall it is a work suffused with ideas of memory and of forgetting. An at times clever, meditative and mesmerising piece Latitudes has ensured…

Read more