See Simone's Reviews below from a few of the events she's been to over the last week or so and tune into 702 Weekends (Sat-8:45) (Sun-10am) .
OUT AND ABOUT
Annual Ocean Care Day Festival at ManlyA free community event on Sunday at Manly where you can find out about caring for the ocean and marine life. There will be scientists from the Australian Museum, a touch pool, viewing through a solar telescope, the big Art Test and lots of art from local school kids. When and where: Sunday 2 December, Manly Ocean Beachfront, 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Bella Open Day - International Day of People with a DisabilityMuseum of Contemporary Art hosts a special day on Sunday with special drop in activities for people with disabilities, their families and friends and carers. Free. Interpreters are also available between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. When and where: Sunday 2 December, 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Lindesay Christmas Gift FairThe annual Lindesay Christmas Gift Fair is on soon. Over 80 stalls inside the historic property selling homewares, antiques, stationery, linen and jewellery and Christmas puddings. Admission is $5. When and where: Lindesay, 1 Carthona Avenue, Darling Point, Thursday 29 November to Saturday 1 December.
It's Almost Christmas ConcertAt the Italian Forum Centre in Leichhardt, the Inner West Community Band will perform a Christmas concert with Christmas classics to delight everybody. Entry is by donation (suggested $20/$10). When and where: Italian Forum Cultural Centre, Norton Street, Leichhardt. Saturday, 1 December, 7.30pm.
Picton Carols by the Tree:The Picton Uniting Church hosts a special Christmas Carol session with activities for kids and guest artists James Cassar and Greg Windred together with local choirs. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 6.00 pm, St Anthony's Catholic Parish Primary School, Menangle Street, Picton.
Penrith Gallery Twilight Christmas MarketArtisan gifts, homewares, gourmet produce - and plants propagated from the Heritage Garden at the art gallery - all on at the start of December. BBQ and refreshments available. Local art and craft makers in the Penrith area have contributed to the treasures for sale and it is hoped this will be an annual event. When and where: Sunday, 2 December, 3 till 7pm, Penrith Regional Gallery, 86 River Road, Emu Plains.
Manly Fair Trade Christmas MarketsFair trade products including handicrafts, clothes, coffee, tea and chocolate are on sale at the Manly Fair Trade Christmas Markets. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 9.00 till 5.00 pm, Manly.
Powerhouse Christmas Gifts Craft Punk WeekendAt the Powerhouse Museum some cool gifts are on sale and a special Christmas event featuring Terrariums and jewellery. There are also terrarium and jewellery workshops that you can get involved with. When and where: 1 and 2 December, 10.00 till 4.00 pm, Powerhouse Museum, Harris Street, Sydney.
Pyrmont Community Christmas CelebrationOn Sunday 2 December, Pyrmont Community Christmas Celebration is on featuring Fabba - the tribute band of Abba songs. Local choirs in Pyrmont will also be singing and Santa is arriving on his Harley. When and where: Sunday 2 December, 4.30 to 8.00 pm, Refinery Square, Bowman Street, Pyrmont.
The 7 Sopranos Christmas ConcertThis sounds fantastic - the Art Gallery of New South Wales will host a special Christmas concert conducted by Simon Kenway with an amazing performance of works by opera singers including Tarita Botsman-Carbo, Stephanie Acramen, Deborah Rogers, Katie Stenzel, Naomi Johns and lots more. $125.00 per person which includes a viewing of the Francis Bacon exhibition, champagne and the 7 Sopranos performance. Bookings on 13 28 49 or through Ticket. Where and when: Sunday 2 December 5.30 pm, Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Rushcutters Bay Christmas CelebrationsThe annual Rushcutters Bay Christmas Concert on Reg Bartley Oval is on Saturday. James Valentine and Lily Dior will perform and the Australian Children's Music Foundation Choir will sing carols. Free. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Rushcutters Bay.
Rosebery Christmas ConcertLah Lah Big Live Band, world music from Samba Mundi, a visit from Santa and choirs will perform in Rosebery for the free annual Christmas neighbourhood concert. When and where: Sunday 2 December 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Turruwul Park, Rothschild Road, Rosebery.
ART
Art Baby - Primavera 2012This is a great fun baby friendly art experience where babies up to 1 year old can join their parents in a special tour at the Museum of Contemporary Art. $15 for adults includes a coffee afterwards at the cafe. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 10 am meet in the Museum of Contemporary Art foyer. This will also be repeated in January as part of the MCA summer program.
Francis BaconThe Art Gallery of New South Wales presents the first major exhibition in Australia of the works of British artist Francis Bacon. There are over 50 paintings, films and photographs. This exhibition has been curated by Anthony Bond. $20/$15. Children under 5 are free. When and where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, on now until 24 February.
Cate Consandine: Cut colonyThe Art Gallery of New South Wales is hosting an exhibition of new video works by artist Cate Consandine which have been filmed in inland lakes in north western New South Wales. Free. When and where: On now until 6 January, Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Brett Whiteley: On the WaterThis exhibition looks at some of Brett Whiteley's amazing works featuring Sydney Harbour as well as some of his stunning nudes. There are etching, photographs, sculptures of birds, sharks and bathers and some works that have not been seen before in public. Free. When and where: on now till 27 January. Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, 782 Kingsway, Gymea.
EXHIBITIONS
Wrecks and ReefsThe Australian National Maritime Museum presents a new photographic exhibition looking at four Australian shipwreck sites and marine life and environment at the coral reefs that have developed around those sites. There are over 40 photographs by photographer Xanthe Rivett. There are also items that have been recovered from diving exhibitions including a bilge pump, some stone ballast and a lead scupper. When and where: Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour. On now.
The Wild Ones: Sydney Stadium ExhibitionThe story of the Sydney Stadium (1908 to 1970) which hosted boxing championships and musical acts (Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, The Bee Gees, JO'K and The Who amongst others). $10 / $5. When and where: on now until 10 March, Museum of Sydney, corner Bridge & Phillip Streets, Sydney.
Wicked WomenArtist Rosemary Valadon has taken the covers of mid-20th century pulp fiction novels and used them as an inspiration for paintings of contemporary female personalities such as Rachel Ward, Margaret Cunneen, Essie Davis, Kara Shead and Annette Shun Wah. See the drawings that the artist sketched prior to painting these works and a fascinating video on how the works are created. Tickets: $10 / $5. When and where: Justice and Police Museum, corner Phillip and Albert Streets, Circular Quay. On now until 28 April.
Alexander The Great: 2000 Years of TreasuresA collection of artefacts, stories and paintings and maps will allow you to immerse yourself into the life of Alexander in ancient Greece. This a very thoughtful exhibition which draws on elements from Alexander's life in an attempt to portray what this legendary war hero was really like and the world he lived in. $24 adults, children 5-15 $12, family tickets $60. Children under 5 free. When and where: Australian Museum, on now.
Margaret Olley: HomeFurniture, artworks and treasures have been taken from Margaret Olley's Paddington home in Duxford Street and brought into an exhibition featuring many of her final works and tributes from her friends. There are also photographs of her house from 1975. Her house was bursting at the seams with artworks, subject matter and general life and colour. Curator Steven Alderton curated exhibitions with Margaret before she died and spoke with her about how she would like to be remembered in an exhibition after her death. The exhibition also includes 15 paintings of Margaret's house interior. When and where: On now till 1 April, Museum of Sydney. $10/$5/$20.
Deck the WallsAt Stellar Downer Fine Art, new works by artist Rachel Fairfax, Ashley Frost, Merrick Fry, Liz Shreeve. Merrick Fry is exhibiting an exquisite kaleidoscopic Christmas tree made from found glass. Free. When and where: On now until 15 December, 2 Danks Street, Waterloo.
PERFORMANCE
Australian Poetry Slam National FinalsPoetry slam heats have been on since June and now there has been little down to the finalists in the National Slam Champion Title. Tickets $30.00. When and where: Main Stage, Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Saturday 1 December.
Chitty Chitty Bang BangContinuing the great run of films that have been transformed into musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a crowd pleaser and the kids will love it. Slightly slow to start the charm of Jeremy and Jemima, Rachael Beck as Truly Scrumptious and David Hobson as Caractacus Potts will get you going on the fun adventure. Pretty much stealing the show are Boris and Goran - the two Vulgarian spies who keep popping up in strange places. Alan Brough and Jennifer Vulectic have an enormous amount of fun as Baron and Baroness Bomhurst in their Vulgarian Empire. Tyler Coppin plays the evil child catcher. Not quite the slickness of Mary Poppins. Tickets from $69.90. When and where: On now at the Capital Theatre.
Into the MirrorWritten by Australian playwright Shelley Wall, this play is about gender transition, the bond between mothers and daughters and the difficulties when relationships evolve. Starring Penny Day, Helen Stuart, Amber Robinson, Carole Sharkey-Waters and Katie Lees. Original music by Rachel Wall and Craig Diamond. Tickets $33/$28. Bookings 9119 3737. When and where: King Street Theatre, Corner King and Bray Streets, Newtown, On now till 15 December.
Legally BlondeJust pure fun from start to finish- this good vibe musical is very similar to the movie and never takes itself too seriously. The Bend and Snap by Helen Dallimore is fantastic and Erica Heynatz. opens the second act with a rope cracking start. Lucy Durack is bubbly and fabulous as Elle Woods and Rob Mills plays the two timing Warner. Cameron Daddo also stars as the dodgy big law firm partner. When and where. On now at the Lyric.
The Wharf Revue 2012This year Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott perform in "Red Wharf: Beyond the Wings of Satire". with Amanda Bishop and Josh Quong Tart. Video appearances by Jonathan Biggins. The Same Sex Marriage of Figaro is a hoot and the running of the Peter Slipper Handicap by Drew Forsythe is a great laugh. It kicks off in the Star Wars theme - Julie Bishop is there with her death stare. Tickets $35-60. When and where: on now till 22 December, Sydney Theatre Company Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.
The Rocks Village BizarreWalk through The Rocks on a Friday night and check out the Bizarre Festival. The White Rabbit Bar is open to meet up with friends and hotel room installation artist Uta Uber Kool Ja performs in her own intimate life story and transformation at The Holiday Inn, 55 George Street. When and where: On until 21 December at The Rocks.
The Greening of GraceWilliam Zappa has written and directed this play starring Maggie Blinco, Don Reid, Wendy Strehlow and Nigel Turner-Carol about an older woman, Grace, who undergoes a traumatic experience but is able to come through it and not be a victim. $38/$30. When and where: On now until Sunday, 9 December, Tuesday to Saturday 8pm, Sundays 5pm, Darlinghurst Theatre (known now as Theatre 19), 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point.
Hollywood EndingWow, this is short and sweet - Tim Roseman's play Hollywood Ending is a satirical look how a movie gets pitched and made in Hollywood. Don Reynolds is a past it porn director with nothing to lose. A strange couple asks him to direct their first time movie. He can't believe his luck - something finally "artistic". It's not until his daughter points out that this movie is a mask for the couple's political message that they wish to promote. Fast paced unfolding of the action. 80 minutes. Terry Serio, Caroline Craig, Briallen Clarke, Blake Erikson and Tony Llewellyn-Jones. Perhaps a little too fast to really get the political message over but an entertaining performance and you'll be home and hosed in no time - cutting down babysitting and car parking fees! When and where: On now until 15 December, Monday to Friday, 7.00 pm, Saturday 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Griffin, Stables Theatre, Kings Cross.
MUSIC
Ensemble Offspring - On LoopAt CarriageWorks turntablist Martin MG and accordionist James Crabb will take old magnetic tape loops and create a performance around the beats and loops in the works. Ensemble Offspring will also perform a program of musical works featuring Austrian composer Bernhard Lang, and Australian composers Matthew Wright and Cor Fuhler. Tickets $45/25. When and where: Saturday 1 December, 8.00 pm, Carriageworks, Redfern.
Tony Fenlon on the WurlitzerOrganist Tony Fenlon will play the Wurlitzer theatre organ at Marrickville on Sunday 2 December with all sorts of popular and light classics from movies, stage shows and jazz. Tickets $27.50/$25. Students are free. When and where: Sunday 2 December 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm, Marrickville Town Hall, Corner Petersham and Marrickville Roads, Marrickville.
North Sydney Symphony OrchestraA great family concert by the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra is on this Sunday conducted by Steven Hillinger. Lots of crowd pleasers including Peter and the Wolf, Hungarian Dance No. 5 (Brahms), the Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (Elgar) and Christmas Music. 28/23/15. When and where: Sunday 2 December, 2.00 pm, North Sydney Girls High School, 365 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest.
Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra: Rare GemsJoanna Drimatis conducts the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert featuring Vivaldi, Gounod and Vaughn Williams as well as Australian composer Tom Hughes' work Coronach. Tickets $25/$15 and children under 15 are free. When and where: Sunday, 2 December, 2.30pm, St Francis of Assisi Church, 457-459 Oxford Street, Paddington
Tchaikovsky: Sydney Symphony OrchestraVladimir Ashkenazy conducts the SSO performing some of the works of Tchaikovsky and featuring singers Jose Carbo, Stuart Skelton, Dina Kuznetsova, Irina Tchistjakova and Deborah Humble. The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and the Sydney Children's Choirs will also perform. When and where: 1 and 3 December, Sydney Opera House at the Concert Hall.
TALKS
Art talk at Hurstville Museum and GalleryArt historian and artist Dr Oliver Watts will talk about contemporary art in Australia. Free. Bookings 9330 6440. When and where: Sunday 2 December 3.00 till 4.00 pm, Hurstville Museum and Gallery, 14 McMahon Street, Hurstville.
REGIONAL EVENTS
Tree Change - Sturt SchoolThe graduating class of the Sturt School for Wood 2012 will display their graduation works at the Sturt Gallery. When and where: From Saturday, 24 November, Sturt Gallery, Mittagong.
COMING UP SOON
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Cottage Craft CollectionRaising money for the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Aged Care Unit, the Cottage Craft Collection has their Christmas sale on Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December. When and where: Scouts Hall, 22 Robey Street, Maroubra Junction, Saturday 1 December 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm and Sunday 2 December, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Sydney Philharmonia: An English ChristmasGet in the festive spirit with the amazing choral performance by Sydney Philharmonia of music by Britten, Byrd, Rutter and many others. Brett Weymark conducts. The first half of the program focusses on English composers and their Christmas music and includes a cantata for tenor. Tickets $90/$32. When and where: Saturday, 8 December, 7pm, Sunday, 9 December, 2pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. Bookings 9250 7777.
Noel! Noel!The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will delight in its 14th annual Christmas concert featuring European and Latin American rhythms and some wonderful traditional songs such as the Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful. When and where: Wednesday 12 December, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, 7.00 pm Saturday 15 December, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm.
Christmas Choral Concert in ManlyManly Oval is the place to be on Thursday 6 December with a huge Christmas Choral Concert. All the much loved and well known carols will be sung. Free. When and where: Thursday 6 December, Gates open from 5.30 pm, concert from 6.30 to 8.30 pm, corner of Raglan and Belgrave Street, Manly.
Lane Cove Music Christmas ConcertChoral music from around the world and special Christmas music will be the fabulous repertoire in the final concert by the Lane Cove Music Group for this year. Tickets $15 at the door. When and where: Tuesday 4 December, St Andrews Lane Cove Mowbray Anglican Church, Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, 8.00 pm.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Charlie and Lola's extremely new playLauren Child's adorable brother and sister duo, Charlie and Lola go on an adventure at the Opera House in a new play by the UK group Polka Theatre. This is their "best bestest play". Tickets $34.00. Suitable for kids aged 3 and above. When and where: December 3 to 28, Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 9.30, 11.45. Saturday and Sunday 9.30, 11.45 and 3.00 pm. When and where: On now until 28th December (not 25 and 26) Playhouse.
OUT AND ABOUT
HMAS Waterhen: Golden AnniversaryOver 200 officers and sailors from HMAS Waterhen will march through North Sydney on a Freedom of Entry parade. When and where: Thursday 6 December, North Sydney.
MUSIC
El Amor BrujoFlamencology Dance Studio will perform a Spanish work El Amor Brujo (love the magician) in Chatswood which features songs in Spanish and Flamenco music. Tickets $35.00. When and where: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, 7.30 pm, Zenith Theatre, Chatswood.
TALKS
Maeve O'Meara Food Safari TalkGastronome Maeve O'Meara will talk about her latest Food Safari in Chatswood and some of the exotic recipes she has come across. When and where: Thursday 6 December, 12.30 pm, Chatswood Library, The Concourse.
Birth of a BalletAs part of the exhibition Time in Motion: 50 years of the Australian Ballet, resident choreographer, Stephen Baynes will talk about crafting a ballet in a special talk (free) at the State Library. Boookings 9273 1770. When and where: Tuesday 4 December 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of New South Wales.
The Great RaceFormer ABC Chairman, David Hill, an author of the books The Great Race which is all about how Britain and France became locked in a race to complete the map of Australia in the early 1800's. David Hill will talk about this fierce competition in a special talk at the State Library. When and where: Tuesday 4 December 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Dixson Room, State Library of New South Wales, Macquarie Street.
Sleeping Beauties: Reviving Australia's forgotten women writersAuthors Geordie Williamson and Jane Gleeson-White will talk about the works of female Australian writers who have been overlooked, neglected and lost but who make up a very important part of the literary works of Australia. $10. Bookings 9273 1770. When and where: Wednesday 5 December 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm, Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library.
PERFORMANCE
Little Orphan TrashleyAn adults only panto featuring Trevor Ashley is on at the studio With him is Rhonda Burchmore, Gary Sweet, Rhys Bobridge, Tina Jackson and Coral Mercer-Jones. Tickets from $49.00. This is an interesting take on Orphan Annie - Orphan Fannie from Sutherland Shire Girls Orphanage. Yes, you guessed it, there will be lots of audience participation so careful where you sit. When and where: The Studio, 5 to 21 December.
Simone's Reviews
(Simone's reviews are her own)
Hollywood Ending
Tim Roseman's play is a satirical look how a movie gets pitched and made in Hollywood. Don Reynolds is a past it porn director with nothing to lose. A fervent young couple asks him to direct their first ever movie - she's the producer and he's the neurotic writer. Don can't believe his luck - finally something "artistic". It's not until his daughter points out that this movie is a mask for the couple's political message that they wish to promote that he starts to wonder about the subject matter of the movie. Fast paced unfolding of the action. 80 minutes. Terry Serio, Caroline Craig, Briallen Clarke, Blake Erikson and Tony Llewellyn-Jones. Perhaps a little too fast to really get the political message over but an entertaining performance and you'll be home and hosed in no time - cutting down babysitting and car parking fees! When and where: On now until 15 December, Monday to Friday, 7.00 pm, Saturday 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Griffin, Stables Theatre, Kings Cross.
Francis BaconFor the first time ever in Australia a substantial exhibition of British artist Francis Bacon's works are on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The exhibition takes you through five decades of the artist's life, starting from some of his darker works in the 1940s to more vibrant colours in the 70s and 80s. Curated by Anthony Bond, this exhibition has taken many years to develop and features about 10% of all of Bacon's works. Track the evolution of Bacon as a painter, his technique changes and the subject matters that interest him through the decades. Many of the images are disturbing (headless bodies, figures nailed to couch with syringes). The paintings clearly show the influence of Picasso particularly in the triptychs of his lover, George Dyer and friend Henrietta Moraes. Bacon liked to paint his friends in some very distorted images - Henrietta had her face transforming into a Baboon! He was fascinated by photos, particularly that showed the body or other objects in motion and used many of these to inspire his work. A great selection of artists and celebrity talks feature in the special events program, including talks by Rodney Pople and Paul Capsis on 28 November. Artist Ken Unsworth and Bacon's friend and portrait subject Eddy Batache will talk on Wednesday 21 November. A very detailed and well set out exhibition. Treat yourself to an afternoon at the Art Gallery where you can wonder about the internal demons in Francis Bacon that caused him to paint the pictures he did! When and where: On now until 24 February, Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Alexander The Great: 2000 Years of TreasuresOccupying the large exhibition space on the ground floor of the Australian Museum, this exhibition has come from the State Hermitage in St Petersburg and features treasures that were collected by Catherine The Great. From the glittering jewellery, the propaganda coinage, the maps of Alexander's battles and travels as well as the clay pots and urns from his time, this exhibition seeks to immerse you in Macedonian/Greek culture of the time so that you can understand how Alexander, through his activities, became revered for his military strategy and adventuring spirit. One of the best things about this exhibition are the many video screens which feature stories from historians about Alexander's life, particularly his mother and his family as well as his military strategies. It's hard to believe that his hammer and anvil trick, which trapped so many armies - a relatively simple concept, was not discovered and used against him but that he time and again won his battles through this simple but deadly effective strategy. His relationship with his incredibly ambitious mother is fascinating and his habit of treating his enemies and their families with some amount of respect which leads to his legendary chivalrous status. His brutality and devastation on some communities is also highlighted so he was not completely a saint! Don't rush this exhibition - take your time to look at all the detail and understand how Alexander's imagery was propagated, his vision and his desire to defeat the Persians and eventually to try and conquer Asia Minor. His early death makes you think he was a bit like a rock star of his time - no doubt capable of many more things which history will never reveal. When and where: On at the Australian Museum, College Street, Sydney.
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