Latest Posts

Nocturnal – Friday 6 April, Melbourne Museum

Published by

Melbourne Museum’s commitment to presenting the best live performances continues with the next instalment of Nocturnal.  Don’t miss an evening of infectious house music on Friday 6 April, as Nocturnal joins Waving at Trains to present a triple-treat of Wax’o Paradiso, Harvey Sutherland (DJ set) and DJ JNETT.

Sharing their strengths Andy Hart, Simon TK and Edd Fisher aka Wax’o Paradiso, will curate a dance-party-inducing set, travelling through disco, jazz, funk, soul and everything in between.  Regularly hosting events themselves, these guys clearly love what they do with Edd Fisher presenting PBS 106.7FM’s Tomorrow Land, Simon TK running Club d’Errangé and Andy Hart establishing Voyage Recordings. 

Harvey Sutherland is a disco producer and keyboard player who will encourage you to lose your groove thanks to a celebration of unapologetic devotion to the dance floor. With critical acclaim, Harvey Sutherland has released numerous projects including Priestess/Bravado with live band Bermuda on his record label Clarity Recordings and appeared at Glastonbury, Dimensions, Splendour In the Grass and Meredith Music Festival.

Fresh from supporting the legendary Grace Jones, DJ JNETT (Janette Pitruzzello) is inarguably one of Australia’s biggest house luminaries.  Bursting onto the scene in the early 90s as a presenter on ABC’s Recovery, she has since gone on to spin tunes across clubs and festivals, hosting PBS 106.7FM’s Are You Ready, releasing a debut album Wildlife and launching her own record label, I Get The Music.

The possibilities are endless as Nocturnal flanks music and curiosity with one-on-one access to Museums Victoria experts and collection objects. Examine different animal skins and their textures under the microscope with Natural Sciences Conservator Dani Measday, and learn about the Biodiversity Heritage Library with Hayley Webster, Gemma Steele and Nicole Kearney.  Michelle Stevenson (Senior Curator Politics and Society) and Hannah Perkins (Collection Manager Humanities) will reveal WWII secrets discovered beneath the floorboards of the Royal Exhibition Building via RAAF objects traversing sweets, smokes and sex.

Revellers can head downstairs to visit Vikings: Beyond the Legend, a new exhibition from the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm which features more than 450 original artefacts. These Scandinavian celebrities are usually depicted as barbaric warriors, but popular culture has blurred the line between fact and fiction. This exhibition unveils the reality of the Vikings and their rich, often misunderstood culture. Pick up a ticket to Vikings: Beyond the Legend when you pre-purchase your early bird Nocturnal ticket from the Melbourne Museum website.

Explore the entire Museum with galleries open till midnight, including the next innovative superstars from VCE and VET with Top Designs 2018, and a look at Australian fashion which has defied convention with You Can’t Do That (presented by the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival). In You Can’t Do That, designers such as Stella Dare, Prue Acton, Christopher Graf and Jenny Bannister are all spotlighted, along with trailblazing models Yorta Yorta and Wunrundjeri woman Lois Briggs, now Aunty Lois Peeler and Andreja Pejić, the first transgender supermodel. 

Beatbox Kitchen and Bibimbap food trucks will also be on hand to fuel this discofied Nocturnal. 

When: Friday 6 April, 7pm to midnight
Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Ticket: Early Bird $25/ On the Door $35 | Nocturnal + Vikings – Early Bird $53 / On the Door $63
More info: check their website 

WIN : 1 x double pass to MQFF

Published by

– competition is now closed –

The gates to a cinematic Aladdin’s Cave were flung asunder this evening when the 28th Melbourne Queer Film Festival unveiled its dazzling 2018 program.

Building on its reputation for showcasing the finest, contemporary queer cinema from Australia and beyond, the 2018 Festival has assembled a line-up of deliciously evocative titles that explore and celebrate the rich diversity inherent throughout the LGBTIQ spectrum.

Supported by Principal Partner, City of Melbourne, Cultural Partner, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and Festival Sponsors Victoria State Government/Film Victoria, Crown Metropol Melbourne and Peter Rowland, the 2018 Festival will present 85 sessions at ACMI, Kino Cinemas and Cinema Nova from March 15 to 26, and encompass 38 features, 14 documentaries, 72 shorts and incorporate 2 World Premieres, 12 Australian Premieres, 21 Melbourne Premieres and 2 newly restored Classic features.

Get a chance to win a double pass on us. Enter via the links below, competition closes on, 15th March 2018.

Click here to enter via Instagram and a chance to win your double pass to MQFF.


When:  Thursday 15 March to Monday 26 March
Where: ACMI, Kino Cinemas and Cinema Nova
More info: check their website 

TWELFTH NIGHT – review

Published by

The sun was shining and the humour was flowing, absolutely blown away by this production of Twelfth Night. Wasn’t sure what to expect upon arriving in the park in the afternoon on a 30 degree day, I was wonderfully surprised – the show was fantastic. Melbourne Shakespeare company is amazing, they blended perfectly the old with the new in this modern adaptation of Twelfth Night making this unique performance one to remember. Surprising the audience with some recent songs to tie in to the show perfectly, bringing fun, comedy and smiles to all.

Setting the tone with some modern music that leads in to Imagine Dragons – Thunder to perfectly portray the storm. Viola, after finding herself shipwrecked off the coast of Illyria, unsure of what to do after fearing the death of her twin brother she crosses paths with a sea captain who assists her in finding work with the Duke (Orsino) to do this she disguises herself as a man names Cesario.

Cesario quickly becomes a favourite of Orsino, she falls for him – he is blissfully unaware of her femininity and his heart belongs to Lady Olivia who is in mourning after the death of her brother. Orsino sends Cesario to deliver a love message to Olivia at which point she falls for Cesario believing her to be a man. In the meantime after upsetting some of Olivia’s household they decide to play a trick on Malvolio (Olivia’s Steward) by making him think that Olivia had fallen for him, after making him dress up and make a fool of himself she sends him away.

Meanwhile we find out that Sebastian survived the shipwreck and has arrived in Illyria accompanied by Antonio (a friend), being mistaken for Cesario ends up being challenged to a duel by Sir Andrew (who has noticed Olivia’s attraction to him), at which point Olivia arrives on the scene confusing Cesario with her twin brother. Olivia asks Sebastian for his hand in marriage (thinking he is Cesario), he says yes and they quickly take their vows.

Orsino and Cesario take the trip to Olivia’s, who welcomes Cesario as her husband this does not go down well, Orisino is furious. Luckily Sebastian appears and is reunited with his sister who has had to admit all isn’t as it seems and she is Viola, a beautiful women who Orsino instantly falls in love with.

The production finishes off with a fantastic rendition of Shania Twain’s ‘Man I Feel Like a Woman’ it was the perfect end to such a wonderful and unique adaptation of Twelfth Night.  

Unfortunately due to unforeseen reasons, the season has been cut short. It’s such a shame as the team did a fantastic job and everyone should have the opportunity to experience Melbourne Shakespeare company! Stay tuned on Melbourne Shakespeare Company for upcoming shows. 

Reviewed and written by our guest writer –  Keelie Allen
Photo credit: Burke Photography. 

G’DAY COMRADE

Published by

A Russian bride, a nerdy scientist and a failed rock star walk into a bar….

Join three Russian comedians now calling Australia home as they debut at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2018 with their show, G’DAY COMRADE! at the Imperial Hotel and Speakeasy HQ’s The Vault 28 March – 1 April.

Join in their entertaining quest to figure out Australian lifestyle, laidback attitudes and a ubiquitous love for Tim Tams. Random dancing, vodka fumes and Dostoyevsky references included.

Featuring Gosha Bodryi (QLD RAW semi-finalist), Gleb Tugushev (Moscow comedy stage regular) Kaychu (QLD RAW finalist) and special guest Kirill Sietlov (uncrowned king of Moscow’s surreal and post modern comedy scene and TV show host).

Rock up with your rubles and experience making sense of the Aussie chilled out nature as deciphered in thick Russian accents.

When: 28 March @8:30pm / 29-31 March @4:45pm
Where: The Imperial Hotel, 2-8 Bourke St., Melbourne CBD
Purchase your tickets: here

DANIEL CONNELL – BIT OF SHUSH

Published by

After a stellar 2017, Melbourne comedian Daniel Connell brings his new stand-up comedy show, Daniel Connell: Bit of Shush, to the Melbourne Town Hall – Backstage Room 29 March – 22 April as part of the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

After the success of his 2017 festival show, Stacks On, Daniel made his debut performance as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and was selected to tour Asia and Australia as part of the Festival Roadshow.

Daniel first launched himself into the comedy world in the 2009 emerging comedian competition ‘Green Faces’ in Canberra. Since 2011 Daniel has performed a brand new hour of stand-up at six consecutive Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. One of the most active comedians in the country, Daniel can be seen sharing a stage with comedians such as Dave Hughes, Anne Edmonds

and Tommy Little. Daniel could easily be described as the ideal Aussie comedian – affable, loveable and hilarious. His observational, dry, often unanticipated comedy has seen him take to stages all over the country.

“This show is going to be actioned packed with jokes, stories, backflips and fireworks, so grab your ticket asap. *FYI, I currently have a bad back so can’t do backflips and fireworks are banned in the venue.” – Daniel Connell.

“After an hour in his company you’re chilled out and smiling. One to watch ” – The Age

“A hilarious night out” ★★★★ – Herald Sun

“Must see comedy” – Sydney Morning Herald

When: 29 March – 22 April (No Mondays)
Time: 8:15pm / 7:15pm on Sundays
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St., Melbourne CBD
Purchase your tickets: here

Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. arrives in Melbourne

Published by

For the first time in Australia, Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. experience will open in Melbourne’s Federation Square on 15th March 2018. Running for a limited time, the world class immersive experience, steeped in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, integrates science and modern technology with movie based props for Marvel fans to experience for themselves.

Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. arrives in Melbourne following a hugely successful run in New York, Seoul, Paris, Singapore, Beijing, Taipei and Las Vegas where it has since set up a permanent exhibition.

An acronym for Science Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, visitors will be able to simulate recruitment as if they were training as agents and delve into the science and technology behind their favourite Marvel heroes. The experience runs for approximately an hour and a half, during which guests will have the opportunity to explore an extensive range of Avengers operation equipment such as Captain America’s uniform and shield, eight Iron Man suits, The Hulkbuster suit and Thor’s mighty hammer.

To complete their training, visitors engage with interactive technology to try their strength against Captain America, test their skills using Iron Man’s blasters and even battle against Ultron.

In a world first, and keeping up with the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Melbourne experience will include never before seen exhibits on Black Panther, Thanos and The Wasp.

The experience has been provided a super-powered dose of science and technology by NASA to enhance the authenticity of the experience and pique visitors’ interest in real-world science and technology. With comprehensive educational materials available for teachers, plus supporting materials created by Quantum Victoria, this is a thrilling learning experience for high school kids to follow STEM pathways by amplifying the scientific themes and characters that are core to Marvel’s storytelling.

Exclusive Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. merchandise will be sold at the experience’s accompanying gift shop, available for those with and without a ticket.

When: March 15th 2018, for a limited time
Where: The Paddock, Federation Square
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au
Pricing: Students from $19, adults from $32

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Published by

Immerse yourself in a floral wonderland of scented delights and designer gardens when the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show opens its doors until 9pm on Friday 23 March for Gardens by Twilight.

Experience the Show in a new light with gourmet eats and floral treats, while live music fills the beautifully lit utopia of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens for this special one-night-only event.

Take part in floral workshops, explore the boutique garden displays and be captivated by the extraordinary Show in a whole new light.

As part of the evening’s entertainment, Melbourne Flower School will be hosting two workshops at 6pm and 8pm.

Melbourne’s favourite food trucks, including Beatbox Burgers, Taco Truck, Purley Delish and Agape Organics, will be providing tasty delights, plus woodfired pizza will be available from the Potting Sheds, all to be enjoyed with a drink from the pop-up bar.

Gardens by Twilight takes place on Friday 23 March until 9pm at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Carlton.

When: Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 March 2018
Time: Open 9am – 5pm daily | Gardens by Twilight – Friday March 23 until 9pm
Where: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Carlton
Purchase your tickets: here

Wine & Cheese Festival

Published by

Wine and Cheese Fest – A celebration of the Senses

Quite literally, a sensory overload is expected to hit again at the Meat Market in North Melbourne on Saturday 17 March 2018. from 10.30am to 7.30pm. The Wine & Cheese Fest is back, and looking to delight all your senses all over again. Is there a better base then combining Wine and Cheese, to start off from on this foodie adventure?

There are over 30 quality exhibitors getting ready to happily showcase and share their artisanal products on the day. From wheels of fine cheeses and savoury sauces, to home-style pastries, pickled preserves, smoked and cured meats, luscious desserts and of course a huge array of wine, ciders and beers for all palates, the Wine & Cheese Fest is a tantalizing feast for both the taste buds and smell receptors.

With the senses of taste and smell taken care of, the focus will be on the sense of hearing, and as always, the Wine and Cheese Fest is accompanied by live jazz music entertainment as well as a DJ in the courtyard area. For a more private and personal audible treat the clinking of glasses will not go amiss.

If the sight of the delicious food and wines is not enough to feed the eyes, the heritage building of Meat Market should certainly provide for that wow effect. From the detailed ceiling to the cobbled floors, it is truly a unique environment which will certainly add to the magic of the event.

Lastly, holding those glasses, and nibbling from those cheese boards, with the different foods and their textures, will ensure the sense of touch isn’t left out. It will certainly tie everything together and ignite all of the senses, which when combined will produce a feeling that is greater than the sum of its parts. At Wine and Cheese Fest it is simply known as happiness.

If that’s not enough, there is much more to this and includes Masterclasses (included in your tickets), learn how mozzarella is made by Giorgio from That’s Amore, learn about wine making from some of the industry leaders, learn about wine and cheese matching. Also, the famous and unmissable Grape Stomp Comp is back, and will see keen stompers competing for the prize of the best stomper squeezing out the grape juice the original way… quite an insta moment! And not to forget – there will be a dedicated ‘kids zone’ for the youngest ones (NB- kids enter for free but must be accompanied at all times!).

Tickets for this event are available for both the morning and the afternoon sessions, and entry includes a Festival glass to take home. A range of ticket options are available to choose from such as the General Entry including tokens for tastings, a Wine Indulgence tickets including a quality boutique wine bottle (RRP>$25) provided by our partners at the Chirping Bird winery in Mornington Peninsula, and, introducing a Last Minute entry tickets for those that just want to grab some last minute bottles or cheese wheels to take home. Book early for discounted ticket prices.

Don’t miss out on this amazing autumn event.

When: Saturday 17 March 2018
Time: 10.30am-2.30pm and 3.30pm-7.30pm
Where: Meat Market, 5 Blackwood St, North Melbourne
Purchase your tickets: here

WIN 1 x double pass to Comedy Festival

Published by

– competition now closed –

Prepare yourself for lashings of laughter as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns! From 28 March to 22 April 2018 Melbourne will once again become the happiest place on Earth, with thousands of performers bringing non-stop joy to stages across the city.

We are excited to announce that we have some tickets to giveaway! Your chance to win 1 x double pass to one of the shows below. *Competition closes on 16 March*

Daniel Connell – Bit Of Shush
When: 30 March 2018
730or412-5a0d7a7a34b54

G’day Comrade!
When: 31 March 2018
730or412-5a0da41cb9433

Cameron James – Chilled Out Fired Up
When: 29 March 2018
hero

Jacqueline Mifsud Be Better!
When: 29 March 2018
hero1

The Big HOO-HAA!
When: 30 March 2018
hero2

How to enter Comedy Festival giveaway competition?
1) Like our page on Facebook
2) Tag a friend who you would like to take
3) Share this post on your Facebook and tell us which show you’d like to attend

Remember to stay tuned on our page as more shows will be added!

WIN : 1 x double pass to THE BBQ

Published by

-COMPETITION NOW CLOSED-

Are you ready for some real Aussie BBQ? We are excited to announce an upcoming Australian comedy film THE BBQ, starring Shane Jacobson, Magda Szubanski, Julia Zemiro and Manu Feildel! The movie THE BBQ is a heartwarming Aussie comedy about family, food and fulfilling potential.

Laid-back suburban everyman Darren “Dazza” Cook loves to entertain his friends and neighbours with his weekly backyard barbecues. Dazza has also inherited a dubious family history linked to explorer Captain James Cook. While his 12-year-old son, Jayden, is challenged to prove this ancestral link, Dazza takes his passion for barbecue out of the backyard and into the International arena in a heartwarming, gentle fable about family, food and fulfilling potential.

Watch the trailer here.

Get a chance to win a double pass on us. Enter via the links below, competition closes on, 19th February 2018.

Click here to enter via Instagram or here via Facebook and a chance to win your double pass to THE BBQ.