IKEA + You & Canberra living

Lifestyle - Kaet - April 2, 2018

Have you noticed the IKEA Canberra store is beginning to look a little bit more like, well, Canberra?

Since IKEA opened in November 2015, the local IKEA interior design team have visited 100s of homes across the region to gain a better insight into how Canberra locals use the space in their homes.

‘We have completely rebuilt the living room area of the store, to better reflect the Canberra lifestyle.’ IKEA Canberra store manager, Sean said.

‘The IKEA team understands the challenges that households have – the design team brings their unique insights so everybody can live a better life at home’ said Sean.

The IKEA + you initiative takes the local approach one step further.

Each of the 10 IKEA stores across the country worked with a household from their local area. The interior design team spent time with the family to understand where the frustrations in their home are, what their dreams are, and what is the feeling they want to create in their home.

Households were allocated a set budget of $5,000 to transform their house.

Families no longer sit in the lounge room and watch one TV set together.

IKEA + you Canberra living spaces

Enter the Henderson Family from Monash, chosen from thousands of applications to be the Canberra family.

Their family home has been replicated in the IKEA + you instore display (well as closely replicated as possible in an in-store environment). It reflects actual Canberran life – a family bringing together different styles and collections from records to video games to DVDs and a family dog who enjoys the family living space as much as playing in the backyard.

IKEA interior designer Amy, who worked with the Henderson’s explains how our living spaces have changed,

‘Families no longer sit in the lounge room and watch one TV set together. Families access content from different devices and rooms in their house as well as watching the TV.’

The IKEA team has interpreted how a family uses this changing living space. With the TV set no longer the focal point of the room, they have created different zones. The sofa is big enough for the whole family to sit and watch a movie together, but a TV bracket means the television can be moved out of the way when not in use. A Kivik footstool has inbuilt storage for all the families board games, with space to play them on top. There are quiet spaces for reading and hangers for headphones meaning that everyone can be in the living room together but doing their own things.

The display includes personal touches from the family, including photos, personal artworks and family heirlooms (see if you can spot the replica vintage jewellery on display).

IKEA + you : modern living spaces

The Henderson Family home has some great ideas on how you can adapt your living space. You can visit the exhibition in the Canberra IKEA store, or check it out all the IKEA + You spaces online.

And if you are looking for ways to refresh your living space, Amy suggests changing the cushions and blankets,

‘It’s a quick, easy, affordable way to give your living room an instant lift and change up the energy in the space’, Amy said.

If you can’t make into the IKEA Canberra store to see what is new, you can shop the IKEA catalogue online, and they deliver across the Canberra region.

Thanks to the IKEA for inviting the So Frank team out to visit the new IKEA + You living space.

A festival that gives you a good reason to have a glass of wine

Lifestyle - Fran - March 28, 2018

New South Wales may have the Hunter Valley, South Australia the Barossa and McLaren Vale, but no one does wine like the Canberra Wine District. Extending from the Capital itself and reaching Murrumbateman, Yass, Bungendore, Wamboin, Lake George and Collector, the region has produced nationally and internationally recognised and award winning wines throughout the years and is probably one of the many reasons Canberra was voted in the top 3 cities to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet.

Renowned for producing some of the best Riesling and Shiraz wines, the Canberra Wine District is having its annual harvest festival – a festival aimed at celebrating the new vintage with cool climate wines, merry entertainment and deliciously paired food.

At the launch dinner of Canberra District’s Wine week, Fergus McGhie from Mount Majura vineyard (the only winery located in the ACT border and only 10 minutes from the city centre) said of the festival;

This is a time to really show people what it is all about, getting involved with what we do in the district. The harvest festival is getting people out to wineries which is great; we want people at the cellar doors, but it doesn’t work so well for those wineries in Canberra (and there’s a number of them) who actually don’t have cellar doors, who want to sell their wines in restaurants, who want people to try their wines and see them.

Fergus goes on to explain that the festival aims to deliver events that are interesting and engaging; to highlight the rapidly growing and evolving district;

We’ve got this vibrant industry with Riesling and Shiraz being our key varieties, but Canberra has been moving on. It’s been moving on as quickly as the North side of Lonsdale Street in Braddon has. We have second generation winemakers now applying their trade; we’ve got new varietals showing themselves and finding a home in the base; we’ve still got people experimenting and trying new blends and wine making processes.

The festival spans over 10 days (6-15 April 2018) and provides a variety of events both in the wineries themselves and in partnership with local restaurants.

Kicking off the festival is a tasting event at the courtyard in New Acton where 14 of the 37 wineries will be present, offering over 60 wines for you to explore the liquid geography of the region and the opportunity to meet and talk to grape growers and wine makers. Food will also be available to purchase on the day and you can try your hand at pairing it with the wines on offer.

What you need to know

Canberra Wine Week – Tasting event

Where: New Acton Courtyard

When: Saturday 7^th April 2018 between 12Pm and 4PM

Cost: $20 pre-sale or $25 at the door (includes a tasting souvenir wine glass)

Get your tickets through eventbrite here

The full list of events can be found at www.canberrawines.com.au

BOOKPLATE: Joining in the fun of March festival season in Canberra

Eats, Lifestyle - Fran - February 22, 2018

2018 is a special year for the National Library of Australia as they celebrate their 50^th year in existence.

Joining in the party is its resident café BOOKPLATE; renowned for its good food, beautiful Leonard French stained glass windows and relaxed atmosphere.

As part of the Enlighten festival, BOOKPLATE is set to host a series of events highlighting the fun and celebratory aspects of the month.

Starting off is the launch party on the 2^nd March. ‘Switch on’ is free to the general public and set on the podium of the National Library. Here you can try BOOKPLATE‘s beverages and bites (available for purchase from the podium bars) while waiting for the night-time magic to happen. Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, will be officially switching on the switch that transforms the Parliamentary triangle into a night sea of illuminations, bringing the area alive at a time when normally no-one is out and about.

After this official launch has happened, Enlighten kicks off for a full week of lights, events and projections. BOOKPLATE will be serving giant pretzels and beverages (available for sale) every Friday and Saturday night during the festival from their podium bars. Picture live music, drinks and a giant pretzel on hand while you admire the architectural projections and wonder at the live (and brightly lit) performances.

Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

For those of us that are early risers, the Balloon Spectacular is a must. Hot air balloons launch from Reconciliation Place and rise above the Parliamentary Triangle destined for wherever the wind will take them. This is quite a sight and something not to be missed. After the early wake up though, you may be feeling peckish or in need of some hot coffee. Indeed you can even sit at BOOKPLATE (which will be open from 7:30AM during the Balloon Spectacular) and see the balloons glide by as you enjoy your (very early) breakfast and favourite morning drink. Most locals know about this though, so avoid disappointment and make sure that you book in advance.

Enjoy a fresh and delicious breakfast during the Balloon Spectacular
Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

Finally, we reach the pinnacle of the month’s festivities as we celebrate everything ‘Canberra’ with Hit 104.7 Skyfire. The sky lights up for the 30^th year and closes Enlighten with a (literal) bang. A regular event on Canberrans’ calendars; over 100,000 people are expected to descend on the Lake’s shores at the same time to witness the spectacle.

For those that don’t want to elbow their way to a good vantage point, BOOKPLATE is hosting a party on the night to experience the event in style. Starting at 6PM, local bands will be playing from the temporary ‘Grass Stage’ as guests are treated to a range of curated canapes from the open air lounge while they wait for the sky show to begin with drinks available for purchase. Don’t wait to get FOMO; just grab your tickets now before they sell out!

So, what events are you adding to your calendar this year?

Sit back, relax and wait for the fireworks to begin
Image courtesy of BOOKPLATE

What you need to know

BOOKPLATE is located within the National Library of Australia.

The standard operating hours are
Monday – Thursday 7:30AM to 5PM
Friday – 7:30AM to 4PM
Weekends – 9am to 4pm

Switch On – The official turning on the lights
Friday 2^nd March
6.45PM to 7.45PM
FREE

Entertainment on the podium
Friday 9^th March
From 6:30PM
FREE

Bands, Beverages and Bites – Nightly Entertainment
Saturdays 3^rd and 10^th March
7PM to 10PM
FREE

Breakfast Aloft – Balloon Spectacular
Opening daily 10 – 18 March from 7.30AM
Visit BOOKPLATE’s website for standard opening hours outside these dates
During the Festival BOOKPLATE fills quickly so we recommend making a booking

A Lit up Sky with the Party to Match – Skyfire 30
Saturday 17^th March
From 6PM (fireworks begin at 8:30PM)
Tickets $70pp + booking fee 18+ only
Bookings are available here

Canberra: third best city in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2018

Lifestyle - Fran - December 28, 2017

It’s no longer a secret; Canberra has been officially named as a Top City in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2018.

Coming in at number three in the list, for Canberrans this is not a surprise. We live in a city that is vibrant and eager to grow in all aspects; with a balanced approach to new and recurring events, a passion for food, a love of all things Canberra and a supportive community.

Canberrans keep busy year-round with Festivals. Here are our top 10 calendar picks for 2018.

Summernats

Between the 4th and 7th of January, the city celebrates its mechanical chariots, with Summernats attracting crowds from all over the region who descend on Exhibition Park to view over 2500 of Australia’s most unusually, unconventionally and outrageously modified cars. The mechanical beasts are celebrated with concerts, horsepower demonstrations, burnt rubber and everything that a car enthusiast might desire.

When: 4 – 7 January 2018

Where: Exhibition Park, Canberra

Website: www.summernats.com.au

National Multicultural Festival

Celebrating the multicultural aspect of the city, the National Multicultural festival resembles a United Nations party. With activities, dancing, concerts and food stalls from every corner of the world, this festival is aimed at showcasing the cultural diversity of the city.

When: 16 – 18 February 2018

Where: Civic

Website: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au

Enlighten

Enlighten 2016, projections at the Australian Parliament House – with rabbits, Canberra.

Parliamentary Triangle comes alive at night with our National institutions lighting up their facades with delightful projections to encapsulate the spirit of Canberra. The nightly programs include interactive installations, jaw-dropping acts, exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences and food offerings to delight the foodie in all of us.

When: 2-17 March 2018

Where: Parliamentary Triangle

Website: www.enlightencanberra.com.au

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Kayaks and stand up paddleboarders add to the festival feel

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Canberra’s Balloon Spectacular! The skies over Canberra become a perfect painting with hot air balloons taking flight in the early mornings from Reconciliation Place. Whether you decide to see them as they rise up and glide over the city, or embark on a flight yourself, this is a festival that caters for the early risers in the city.

When: 10-18 March 2018

Where: Reconciliation Place

Website: www.balloonspectacular.com.au

Canberra Comedy Festival

Canberrans tend to be the butt of jokes when it comes to other Australian cities’ citizens, and we join in the laughter during March. With local, national and international comedians, this festival has you in stitches for a week.

When: 19-25 March 2018

Where: Various Canberra venues

Website: www.canberracomedyfestival.com.au

National Folk Festival

The National Folk Festival aims to provide a place where traditional and contemporary folk life depicted through songs, style and ideas can be discussed, appreciated and embraced. This festival engages artists and audiences through music, forums, talks, workshops, spoken word performances, dance, poetry and much more.

When: 29 March – 2 April 2018

Where: Exhibition Park

Website: www.folkfestival.org.au

Canberra International Music Festival

Musicians from around the world gather in Canberra for the Canberra International Music Festival. Buildings and spaces around Canberra break into song with tunes curated to enhance the experience of the spectator.

When: 27 April – 6 May 2018

Where: Various Canberra venues

Website: www.cimf.org.au

The Truffle Festival

The Truffle Festival – Canberra Region

Culinary diamonds, truffles are sought after by chefs around the world. The Canberra Region is home to over half a dozen truffle farms, with its perfect weather to produce the tuber. Whether it’s sitting down to a truffle dish, going on a hunt, or simply purchasing your own truffle for consumption, the festival puts this humble tuber on a pedestal and shines a light brightly over it.

When: 1 June to 31 August 2018

Where: Various Canberra venues

Website: www.trufflefestival.com.au

Floriade

Floriade is a celebration of Spring in Canberra

The festival of Spring marks the start of warm weather in the capital. Whether you have a green thumb or not, the floral display of exotic and everyday bulbs and annuals will captivate both children and adults alike.

When: 15 September to 14 October 2018

Where: Commonwealth Park

Website: www.floriadeaustralia.com

Design Canberra Festival

Meet the makers at the open studios as part of the Design Canberra Festival

Still in its infancy, this festival applauds everything that comprises design in the capital. It doesn’t shy away from any discipline, and offers unique opportunities to see resident artists in action in their own studios as they open their doors to the general public.

Explore the open studios and talk to the makers, listen to speakers as they discuss design as it relates to you and experience Canberra in a unique way as you walk through homes that have opened their doors to the public.

When: November 2018 – Dates to be confirmed

Where: Various Canberra Venues

Website: www.designcanberrafestival.com.au

‘BACK TO THE LAB’: Coffee table book documents Hip Hop Home Studios

Lifestyle, Meets - Sophia - December 12, 2017

Back in 2005, if you were a Hip Hop music devotee, then Behind The Beat was your ultimate coffee table book. It captured producers in their living spaces and included the iconic black & white photo of J Dilla before he died, sitting in a stark, clean living room – just him at a table with a sampler.

Independent producers and DJs have been busy creating world-class music in bedrooms, kitchens and garages for years. Meanwhile, photographer Raph Rashid has travelled the globe, gaining access to these inner sanctums, one by one.

The tremendous variety of set-ups and layouts used by in-home producers is artfully documented in the pages of his new book Back to the Lab. Intimate photos of the creators amongst their instruments, gear, record collections and ephemera offer unprecedented access.

Raph includes notes about the producers, their environment and “essential” releases to round out this love-letter to the underground. Featuring Flying Lotus, Just Blaze, El-P, Ant, DJ Babu, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lord Finesse, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dabrye, Waajeed, Oddisee, Alchemist, Harry Love, Oh No, Diamond D, Khalil, DJ Vadim, Kenny Dope, Jake One, Rhettmatic, Format, Young RJ, Plutonic Lab and more.

Run The Jewels. Photo: Raph Rashid.

Flying Lotus. Photo: Raph Rashid.

The official book launch, which included a Q&A session with Hau (triple j Hip Hop Show), was recently held at the Canberra Theatre Centre. I got the opportunity to chat with the irrepressible and energetic Raph who started his lifelong passion for the music industry at a young age – rapping on stage since he was thirteen-years-old. A man of many talents, Raph’s career highlights have seen him launch a clothing company celebrating youth subculture (Blank Clothing), which opened up a world of travel and taking photos. Through his travels, he met a lot of people in the Hip Hop industry, and, out of those, he was always drawn to the producers.

All the photos in both books are a culmination of the connections Raph has made over the last twenty years and represent an organic, natural environment. They are usually not scheduled and represent the relationships and friendships he has formed, like the time he was visiting and taking photos of Kenny Dope, when Kenny suggested they go visit his friend who lives near DJ Jazzy Jeff! Upon arrival at the house, DJ Jazzy Jeff insisted on sharing his love of cooking with the group and served up his famous Fried Chicken and Waffles. Raph said, “These are the sort of intimacies I share in the book. Not staged, definitely no manager or PR people involved, just the humility of the artists.”

To purchase the book click here.

Enjoy the Festive Season with Canberra Centre’s latest activities and events

Lifestyle - Fran - December 12, 2017

The Canberra Centre is stepping up it’s game by creating a carefully selected range of activities and events for the 2017 Festive season.

In true Canberra Centre style, Masterclasses have been curated with the season in mind. Megan Morton captivated her audience at the Christmas Table Styling masterclass sharing practical styling tips that won’t break the bank and will turn a dinner into a memorable and special event. Later this week, two gingerbread house making classes are being held at the Level 1 Food court (Saturday 16^th December) where you can create and decorate your very own gingerbread centrepiece.

Megan Morton provided insight into creating memorable festive tables from what you already have at home

To help shoppers with their gift buying, a complimentary Champagne bar has been set up at the Monaro Mall and is live every Friday between 5 and 8PM and Saturday and Sundays between 12 and 3PM.

Kids have not been forgotten, and to bring the spirit of Christmas to life, a kid’s light-up installation has been set up at the Ground level of the centre near the City Walk Entrance. Featuring an interactive Christmas tree and an area where kids (and adults) can pen a letter to Santa, you could rest your feet while the kids let their imagination run wild.

Don a pen and write a letter to Santa

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be roving Christmas entertainment throughout the Centre.

And a gift wrapping bar in the Monaro Mall lifestyle precinct will transform your gifts with beautiful paper for just a gold coin donation. The proceeds will go to Red Nose, ACT and the bar is running until December 24.

So what are you waiting for? The festive season is only here once a year!

The festive season is on at the Canberra Centre (image courtesy of Canberra Centre)

What you need to know

The canberra centre will have special opening hours during the 2017 Festive season:

9am – 6pm – Saturday 16 December 2017 and Saturday 23 December 2017
10am – 5pm – Sunday 17 December 2017
9am – 6pm – Monday 18 December 2017 and Tuesday 19 December 2017
9am – 9pm – Wednesday 20 December 2017 to Friday 22 December 2017
9am – 5.30pm – Sunday 24 December 2017
Closed – Monday 25 December 2017
8am – 7pm – Tuesday 26 December 2017

Stunning pieces will glitter in NGA’s March 2018 blockbuster – Cartier: The Exhibition

Lifestyle - Fran - November 9, 2017

Prepare yourselves to be dazzled in March 2018 when the National Gallery of Australia presents their blockbuster exhibition – Cartier: The Exhibition.

More than 300 Cartier pieces, carefully and expertly curated to present the prestigious French jewellery house’s creative maturity during the 20th century will be on display for Australians to marvel at.

While Cartier has lent pieces to exhibitions in Australia before, this is the first time they are doing a solo exhibition.

Stomacher Brooch – approximately 51 carats of sapphires with round old and rose-cut diamonds in a platinum millegrain setting

We spoke to Rene Frank from Cartier who travelled with the pieces on show at the media preview.

How do you normally pick the pieces for an exhibition when you work with Cartier?

Each exhibition is different. It is the choice of the museum director how the exhibition is to be shaped. They choose the curator and the scenographer. It is very important for Cartier that the exhibitions are not curated by Cartier staff. Of course, we have a curator at Cartier, but they are more like the keeper of the collection and their role is to support the expertise of the exhibition curator. Depending on the type of exhibition, the curators can be specialists on jewellery or decorative art.

Detail of Cartier Crocodile Necklace – Navette-shaped emeral cabochos for the eyes and 1023 brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamonds (60.02 carats)

So how different will the exhibition coming to Canberra in March 2018 be to exhibitions that have been to Australia before?

Well, this is the first time that there has been an exhibition in Australia.

Ever?

Yes, ever. The Cartier collection has been lent to appear in public exhibitions before. It is not the first time that we have lent pieces to Australian museums, but it was only a few pieces. This is the only exhibition dedicated to Cartier.

Rubies and diamonds encrusted earrings with matching necklace and bracelet (not pictured)

Do you have a favourite piece that will be part of the exhibition in March?

What is unique about this exhibition is that we have important pieces on loan from the Royal Family and also from the V&A Museum. For the first time they are lending the Tutti-Frutti Bandeau which belonged to Lady Mountbatten, so this is very unique. The loan of the Halo Tiara worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day is really a great loan.

The Halo Tiara worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day

Cartier: The exhibition (March 30—22 July) is sure to appeal to a wide range of visitors. For the jewellery enthusiast who will imagine wearing one of the pieces, the art deco lover who will appreciate the intricate, carefully arranged stones in the pieces, the architecture buff who will welcome the planned design of each piece, to the Royalty, aristocrat and global socialite fan who will get an insight into the jewels of their favourite people, this exhibition is a once in a lifetime opportunity to admire carefully crafted pieces.

We managed to get a sneak peek at some of the items that will be part of the exhibition. Gerard Vaughan, National Gallery of Australia Director and Pierre Rainero, Image, Style and Heritage Director, Cartier showcased these items at the NGA preview of the exhibition.

Pierre Raniero, Image, Style and Heritage Director at Cartier demonstrates the versatility of the Crocodile necklace

Family day out – Kingston Foreshore

Goes To, Lifestyle - Sophia - June 15, 2017

Looking for an activity to do with the teens? For the arty teen in your life, how about a day out in Kingston Foreshore?

Canberra’s only urban waterside community, hugging Lake Burley Griffin and Bowen park, Kingston Foreshore, or ‘the Foreshore’ as locals call it, is a growing and vibrant destination. With a busy boardwalk, multiple paths for lakeside walks and a plethora of eating and drinking options, it is a fabulous place to while away the day together.

Get Creative

The Kingston Arts Precinct centres around some of Canberra’s historic industrial buildings. Grab your camera to capture the architecture of the Fitters’ Workshop, Kingston Powerhouse and Former Transport Depot. Watch artists in action, visit the gallery spaces or book yourself and your teen into a class at The Canberra Glassworks or Megalo Print Studio + Gallery.

For us, we opted for a class at Canberra Glassworks led by the talented in-house artists. It was a great hands on experience and insight into the intricate and delicate world of glassmaking. We created a glass tile and came away with our very own souvenir to remind us of our experience.

Learning to cut glass

Canberra Glassworks offers weekend one-on-one ‘taster’ sessions, where you can make your own paperweight or tumbler, for anyone over 14 years. http://www.canberraglassworks.com/makeyourown/

Winter School holiday workshops – for ages 8 and up

http://www.canberraglassworks.com/education/holiday-classes/

Lunch

For lunch we stopped at Brodburger – a Canberra institution which started out as a beloved food truck parked off Wentworth Avenue and now has a beautiful home within the Canberra Glassworks building.

The fries and onion rings at Brodburger are delicious!

Tip – they do get busy, so go early or phone through your order, then take your burgers and eat by the lake. If you are headed there on a Sunday, place your order then wander through the Old Bus Depot Market while you wait.

Shopping

The Former Transport Depot is a hive of activity on Sundays when the Old Bus Depot Markets are on. A mix of food, produce, arts and antiques, it is easy to spend a few hours wandering through the stalls. They also have themed Sundays, from wool in winter, to Christmas in December.

Something Sweet

If you feel like something sweet, try the fresh waffles and ice-cream at Movenpick or visit Molto Italian for ‘Nonna Tosolini’s’ Tiramisu which is made on-site daily by Nonna herself.

‘Nonna Tosolini’s’ Tiramisu

Family staycation in New Acton.

Lifestyle - Sophia - May 29, 2017

Life gets busy! We get caught up in the everyday and sometimes forget to take time for ourselves. That is why it was nice to get away from the distractions of home and spend the night with the teen at Peppers Gallery Hotel in NewActon for a little urban charm and quality family time.

Charming spaces at Peppers Gallery Hotel in NewActon

Urban is not usually a word used to describe Canberra, but NewActon has elegantly combined doses of art with inner city chic and urban edge. Situated north of Lake Burley Griffin within walking distance of the city, NewActon is a neighbourhood housing a mixture of residential and commercial buildings with a quirky mix of hotels, bars, cafes and an arthouse movie cinema still with plenty of green space throughout. It is just a fascinating place to spend a day or night challenging the perception of Canberra.

First up

After checking into Peppers Gallery Hotel, we stashed our bags and made a beeline for the NewActon bike hire stand just around the corner from the hotel. Both of us are a little rusty on the bikes, we tried our luck and cheered each other on as we (eventually) got into the swing of things and took the bikes over the pedestrian bridge to Lake Burley Griffin.

NewActon bike hire stand

A little Virtual Reality at the National Museum of Australia

Hitting our riding stride, we made our way to the National Museum of Australia, where we enjoyed one of their recent exhibitions – David Attenborough’s Virtual Reality Experiences. Using the latest in virtual reality technology, spectacular footage and David Attenborough’s storytelling ability we dove into the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. I have never used VR before and it was quite an immersive experience – perfect to share with the teen as the exhibition is not recommended for those under 13 years old.

Bookings are required via http://www.nma.gov.au/whats-on/events/attenborough-vr-experience#bc=hpc2-vre

Dinner

Rustic Italian food at Bicicletta

With the bikes returned, we started to turn our minds to dinner and settled into Bicicletta, the cosy onsite restaurant at Peppers Gallery Hotel. They serve up rustic Italian fare and on a warm day or night, be sure to request a table in the courtyard to soak up the coming and goings of NewActon and indulge in some people watching.

And a Movie

We finished off the night at Palace Electric, the elegant and stylish arthouse cinema in NewActon watching a charming French comedy – one of the advantages of traveling with a teen is not all movies now have to be of the cartoon variety and in English!

Palace Electric

To book a stay at Peppers Gallery Hotel, visit the website http://www.peppers.com.au/australian-capital-territory/canberra/

To check in on all things New Acton, visit the website http://www.newacton.com.au/

*Sophia enjoyed her stay as a guest of Peppers Gallery Hotel in NewActon but happily paid for all her own meals and activities.

Avenue Q : Adulthood through Puppets

Goes To, Lifestyle - Fran - April 28, 2017

I’ve been invited to see the rehearsal of Supa Productions Inc’s latest production Avenue Q, which is playing at the Queanbeyan Theatre from 28 April until May 13. As the cast begins to arrive, I find myself sensing something familiar about this play. It isn’t until I hear the piano playing and the puppets come to life that I recognise that this play is reminding me of my childhood.

Sesame Street had a significant impact in my life. I learnt to count, the alphabet and colours through the sketches and puppets of Sesame Street. Somehow seeing a colourful character made learning things and understanding concepts easier.

The Puppets have a familiar Sesame Street feel

This is not however, a children’s show. Avenue Q touches on topics that are still considered taboo in today’s society. It does so in an upfront manner, without providing excuses or asking for forgiveness – the adult way. The realities that the characters face in this play are exactly what the adult world forces us to deal with – the complications of relationships, ‘the grown-up’ world, homosexuality, and the expectations of marriage to name a few.

The puppeteers are an extension of the puppets

In Avenue Q, the puppeteers emulate the characters they play. Unlike the Sesame Street TV show, here you see the puppeteer; they are right there bringing the characters to life through their movements and their voices. After a while you forget that they are there though; their characters come to life fully as they interact with each other.

Not quite invisible

The play does make me wonder whether we are as tolerant today as we think we are. Has life changed that much since 2003? We spend almost every waking hour in front of a computer or on our phones, and our relationships sometimes sprout from those devices. The essence of what being an adult is, the challenges and obstacles that we encounter; that is still the same.

The play originally debuted in March 2003 off-Broadway, but its popularity pushed it to open on Broadway in July that year. It won 3 Tony Awards in 2003, and is the 24th longest running show in Broadway history (2534 performances), and from tonight’s rehearsal I am certainly looking forward to seeing the full play.

The cast is a mixture of Puppets, puppeteers and ‘humans’

What you need to know:

Avenue Q is playing at the The Q Performing Arts Centre (click here for map) from 28 April to 13 May 2017.
Tickets are available by calling The Q Performing Arts Centre on 02 6285 6290 or visiting their website
Prices range from $54 (concession) to $58. Please note that transaction fees may apply.

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