Yeah, Yeah, Yeah - The Beatles are back in Australia!

50 years after their first visit to Australia, Sydney welcomes George, John, Paul and Ringo again. Celebrating their arrival, The Beatles ‘walked’ in line across a pedestrian crossing in front of Sydney’s Opera House to re-enact the iconic Abbey Road album cover. 

Back on tour, just like they were in 1964, the fab four have just landed from Tokyo and will be part of an interactive exhibit at Madame Tussauds in Darling Harbour. The visit will be for a limited time only however, as the group will jet off to San Francisco for the last leg of their tour in September. 

The exhibit features the band in their late 1960s-era styling and allows fans to stand in line with the band to create their very own personalised album cover.

Just like their whirlwind tour five decades ago, these four iconic wax figures will only be on show at Madame Tussauds Sydney for a limited time. Not only can guests interact with the famous four, but can also recreate a moment of Beatles history in their very own Abbey Road album cover.
An Iconic Band

Madame Tussauds first held sittings with The Beatles in 1964, and were the first ever rock band to be featured at Madame Tussauds. For the new touring figures, the Madame Tussauds studio team have used a combination of the sitting measurements and additional image research including a number of image references from the 1969 Abbey Road photo shoot. The style of the figures is based on their styling around the time, not long before the band's dissolution in 1970

History of the Capitol Theatre - Saving Sydney's Iconic Theatre

The Capitol Story: Saving Sydney's Iconic Theatre

Early Days
Construction of Belmore Markets begins on the current site of the Capitol Theatre in 1866 as Sydney’s first permanent fruit and vegetable market. Belmore Markets was later dismantled and re-erected as the Hippodrome. All of the features of the original market are retained in the outer shell of the theatre today.
In 1916, Wirth’s Circus and Hippodrome opens – the largest theatre in Australia.

After its conversion from the Wirth Bros Hippodrome, the ‘new’ Capitol Theatre opened in 1928 as Australia’s first ‘atmospheric’ Picture Palace. The 2,999 auditorium was transformed to an open-air Florentine garden, complete with artificial foliage, flocks of birds, statues, swirling clouds & twinkling stars.

Originally the theatre showed movies, with a Wurlitzer organ, stage band & Capitol Ballet dancers. This same organ now resides at the Orion Centre in Campsie where people can still come to hear it play.

Belmore Markets
Nestled in the historic Haymarket district, the building itself began its life in 1892 as the Belmore markets. The market’s motif of fruit and foliage may still be seen in the terra cotta decorative relief of fruit and foliage in the spandrels of the arches.

Circus Days
In 1916 the building was converted to a hippodrome designed specifically for the Wirth Bros circus. Part of the specification was the reinforced concrete water tank 12 metres in diameter and 3.6 metres deep for performances by seals and polar bears. The tank had a hydraulically controlled platform that was raised from the base to form a cover that doubled as a circus ring when the pool was not in use. This tank still exists but is covered by the new floor.

Picture Palace
Within 10 years the circus became financially unviable and Wirth Bros initiated the idea of converting the theatre to a picture palace or movie theatre. In 1927 John Eberson, a renowned American designer of theatrically themed theatres, was commissioned to create the Capitol Theatre for its new tenant, Union Theatres. The classical reproduction statues and architectural props were manufactured in the US, scrupulously numbered for shipment and reassembly – supervised by Sydney theatre designer Henry White.

Opening Night
The Sydney Morning Herald covered the opening in 1928:
“The effect of the new Capitol Theatre on the crowds which entered it on Saturday night was bewildering and a little overwhelming. One seemed to have stepped from under the dull skies of everyday life and passed into an enchanted region where the depth of the blue heavens had something magical about it and something heavily exotic, clouds passed lightly over then stars began to twinkle. Then again all was blue and clear.”

Glory Days
In 1928 people were attracted into the theatre to escape to a different world, they were captivated by the whimsical decor and the lavishness of the surroundings. They went to hear the orchestra and the mighty Wurlitzer, to watch the newsreel and soak up everything Hollywood had to offer. But for the Capitol, the glory days were over before they had started. Greater Union was hit hard by the depression and by 1933 when the theatre was converted for talkies, it was already showing second rate movies.

Changing Times
In 1945 there were 151 million admissions to Australian cinemas, the biggest year in Australian movie history, but by 1958 Australians had been seduced by television and more than 20% of Sydney cinemas had closed. It was a grim time for many theatres and without major investment the Capitol’s future looked bleak. In 1972, Harry M. Miller presented Jesus Christ Superstar which had a successful two-year run but time, lack of funds and vandalism had taken their toll and the Capitol was in ruins.

Saving an Icon
By the end of the 1970’s it seemed the only real value was the land, the Sydney City Council considered demolition to allow a new lyric theatre to be built on the site. But in 1981 Australia’s last remaining atmospheric theatre was snatched from the jaws of the bulldozer by a Heritage Council conservation order and plans were made to restore the building and create a world-class lyric theatre.

Restoration
For the first time in its history the theatre underwent a complete and thorough restoration that took two years and cost over $30m to complete. The orchestra pit was expanded with space for 110 musicians. New dressing rooms and technical areas incorporated part of the old tunnels used by the animals in the theatre's former life as a hippodrome.

The fly-tower was extended to become 30 metres high and 37 metres wide extending nine metres into Hay Street making it one of the largest in Australia. In July 1995 an acclaimed production of Miss Saigon put the Capitol back on the world stage.

Finally the Capitol had the second chance it deserved and Sydney has a theatre to be proud of.

Source: http://capitoltheatre.com.au/index.php/about-us/history-of-the-capitol


Coming to Capitol Theatre for a show?
Want to stay close to the theatre while in Sydney?

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is located directly opposite the Capitol Theatre. It is a smoke-free hotel offering free WiFi and located only minutes away from Sydney attractions such as Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay Wharf, Star City Casino, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Paddy's Markets and the city's dining and cinema districts. Public transport is conveniently close with Sydney’s Central Station and the Coach terminal less than five minutes walk.

To view our rooms or to book, visit our website: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-sydney-central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central hotel room

UFC Targets Sydney Date in Late 2014

With the UFC’s first New Zealand event in the books, the promotion is promising a return to the nation. But first for the region is another visit to the Australian city of Sydney.

“I can’t confirm anything just yet, but we’ll be here in the back half of the year, back to Sydney,” UFC Managing Director of Operations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand Tom Wright said at today’s post-UFC Fight Night 43 press conference in Auckland. “The date hasn’t been finalized just yet.”

The UFC has previously held five events in Australia, with three of those taking place in Sydney. The company hasn’t visited the city since March 2012, instead traveling to Brisbane and Gold Cost for more recent events.

Wright did not reveal any other details about the targeted date other than to confirm it would not be a pay-per-view card and instead a UFC Fight Night event that could potentially air in the U.S. on FOX Sports 1 or stream on UFC Fight Pass.

“It would not be a pay-per-view,” Wright told MMAjunkie. “In terms of the card, you know who makes those decisions – Sean (Shelby) and Joe (Silva) and Dana (White). I’ll do my lobbying for the kind of fighters I’d like to see there, but in the end, I trust those guys. They’re the best in the business.”

Saturday’s “UFC Fight Night 43: Te Huna vs. Marquardt” event, which saw Nate Marquardt upset James Te Huna in the headliner, took place at Vector Arena in Auckland. It was the promotion’s first trip to the country, which boasts a population of 4.5 million, but Wright said it was an enjoyable experience.

“The crowd was great,” Wright said. “The building was probably 80 percent full by the second fight. It was incredibly loud. Knowledgable. You could tell, when certain things were going on, the crowd reacted appropriately because it was a knowledgable crowd. That’s one thing you’ve found in this part of the world. Kiwis love our sport. They’re knowledgable, they’re engaged, and they showed it tonight.”

According to Wright, UFC Fight Night 43 drew an attendance of 8,098 and a live gate of $1.04 million New Zealand dollars, which is the equivalent of nearly $913,000 U.S. Wright said the results were ample enough to earn a return trip from the promotion, perhaps as early as next year.

“We’re definitely coming back here,” Wright said. “We’re putting together our schedule for 2015. If it’s not 2015, it will be 2016 for sure.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 43, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site

A-League All Stars vs Juventus - ANZ Stadium

ADP COMMITS TO ALL STARS SHOWDOWN WITH JUVENTUS

Witness the best when the champions from Italy, Juventus, take on the FOXTEL A-League All Stars led by the Italian champion Alessandro Del Piero.

For the first time ever, Alessandro Del Piero will confront the famous club where he spent 19 glorious years, scored a record 290 goals and played 705 matches.

When: Sun 10 Aug 2014
Where: ANZ Stadium, NSW | www.anzstadium.com.au
Time: 7:30pm
Address: Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Australia
Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/


Need hotel accommodation in Sydney for the match?
Try the affordable and comfortable rooms at Metro Hotel Sydney Central - only a 30min train from Central station to ANZ Stadium at Olympic Park station. Or try Metro Hotel on Pitt - only a 35min train from Town Hall station to ANZ Stadium at Olympic Park station.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central  (30min train to ANZ stadium)
Hotel Location: 431 - 439 Pitt Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Hotel Features:

• Licensed restaurant and bar (Open for breakfast and private functions only)
• Rooftop swimming pool (unheated)  
• Laundry/dry-cleaning services
• Complimentary newspapers at reception
• Smart bar
• Foxtel in all rooms
• Wireless Internet available in all guest rooms, public areas, and function room

To Book Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-sydney-central
Phone: +61 2 9281 6999
Email: Res@metrosydneycentral.com

* * * * * * * *

Metro Hotel on Pitt (35min train to ANZ stadium)
Hotel Location: 300 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Hotel Features:

• Complimentary WiFi
• 3 Disabled access rooms
• 24 hour reception
• Business Centre facilities
• Laundry/dry-cleaning services
• Metro Brasserie Restaurant
• Off site parking 

To Book Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-on-pitt
Phone: +61 2 9283 8088
Email: ResMHOP@metrohg.com

Peace Train: The Cat Stevens Story

Peace Train – The Cat Stevens Story “Intimate & Acoustic”, starring Darren Coggan, is a night of music and story-telling which will strike a chord deep inside the heart of anyone who longs for something more.

A journey back in time to the well of inspiration, recreating Cat’s timeless songs as they were originally written – on an acoustic guitar and piano, seeking out the man in the music and telling the story behind the songs.

Hear twenty-four hits sung with remarkable authenticity by one of Australia’s most exciting artists.

From Moonshadow, to Morning Has Broken, Wild World, Father & Son, First Cut Is The Deepest, Hard Headed Woman and Peace Train, Darren Coggan traces the path of a man who never stopped wondering about how to make the world a better place.

When: Sun, 29 Jun 2014
Location: Stars Cafe
Time: Open 4:30 pm | Show Starts 6:00 pm
Price: from $50.00



Tickets to show available from Ipswich Civic centre website: https://www.patronbase.com/_Ipswich/Sections/Choose?prod_id=0481&perf_id=1

For more info: http://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/peace-train-the-cat-stevens-story/


Coming to Ipswich for the show? Need accommodation at Ipswich?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Ipswich International:

This city centre hotel overlooks city parklands and walking distance to the Ipswich Civic Centre which is next door to the Hotel and this is the premier entertainment venue in Ipswich.

The hotel has a reputation for personalised service whether this is for a hotel function or conference, weddings, business or leisure accommodation or dining at Platform 9 restaurant.

Nearby tourist attractions include the Ipswich Art Gallery, the Queensland Workshop Railway Museum and for the adventure seekers and family fun there’s balloon rides to high adrenaline packages by helicopter, airboat and paintball.

Ipswich is 35 km from Brisbane and 66 km from Brisbane’s airport. Complimentary on site car parking and lift access to all floors from the car park and reception.

Visit Metro Hotel Ipswich International website: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/queensland/metro-hotel-ipswich-international/welcome/

Bob Dylan Touring Australia & Sydney Opera House

It took a while but at age 73, Bob Dylan is set to play his first-ever concert at the Sydney Opera House as part of his upcoming Australian tour.

Dylan, who is also playing three shows at the State Theatre, ends his Australian tour at the world-famous waterfront venue in the Concert Hall on September 7.

But tickets for the Opera House show - which go on sale at 8am on July 4 - don't come cheap. Standard tickets start at $199 although for a music legend the top tier is a comparatively reasonable $249.

Comparative to say, Barbra Streisand, who is considered to be the most expensive legacy act, with her lowest-priced tickets often priced over $500 and up to $1500.

There is no indication yet that luxury or plantinum-type packages will be available.

Dylan's tour begins in Perth on August 13 and takes in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide before reaching Sydney. Tickets went on sale on June 3 and are sold out for Sydney's State Theatre shows and believed to be nearly sold out for Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Dylan's place as one of the most important innovators in contemporary music history is expected to be further underlined at a Sotheby's auction on Tuesday in New York. His handwritten lyrics for the song Like A Rolling Stone are expected to fetch over $US530,000 ($565,000).

A Sotheby's employee shows the handwritten lyrics for Bob Dylan's
 Like a Rolling Stone song that is up for auction. Photo: Reuters

Richard Austin, head of Tuesday's two-part sale at Sotheby's told AFP it was the first time a six-minute single was released, allowing people to go beyond short format, and marked one of the first cases of viral marketing.

Executives opposed its release because of its length, but an employee took it to a nightclub where it played all night, leading to DJs to clamour Columbia records for its eventual release, which came in 1965.

Austin said there was "a lot of interest" in both sets of Dylan lyrics ahead of the auction, calling them a "wonderful thing just to see."

Dylan's final lyrics for the protest anthem A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall also go under the hammer, estimated to be worth $US400,000-$US600,000 by Sotheby's.

The auction celebrates various rock performers who have gripped the world for the past 60 years.

A piano first played by Lennon when he was recording the album Imagine and later played in multiple studios by him, Dylan and Reed, among others, is valued at $US100,000 to $US200,000.

Among the other items are the infamous contract that Jimi Hendrix signed in 1965, in which he agreed to play exclusively for record label PPX for just one American dollar. It's valued at $US100,000 to $US200,000.

BOB DYLAN TOUR DATES

August 13-14 - Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 18-20 - Palais Theatre, Melbourne (All Ages)
ticketmaster.com.au, 136100

August 25 - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 29 - Royal Theatre, Canberra (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 31 - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

September 3-5 - State Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
ticketmaster.com.au, 136100

September 7 - Sydney Opera House (All Ages)
sydneyoperahouse.com, (02) 9250 7777


Source: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/bob-dylan-to-play-first-sydney-opera-house-gig-20140623-zsikp.html


Need accommodation in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth for Bob Dylan's Australian tour?

Try Metro Hotels - we have 3 conveniently located hotels and apartment in the centre of Sydney, boutique serviced-apartments in Melbourne and hotels in Brisbane CBD and Perth:

New South Wales (Sydney CBD):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Victoria (Melbourne CBD):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Queensland (Brisbane CBD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

So whether you need hotel or apartment accommodation, Metro Hotels has got you covered.

Sir David Attenborough Live in Sydney | The Third Dimension

Sir David Attenborough will appear live on stage in Sydney and Melbourne in November in a brand new show titled Sir David Attenborough – The Third Dimension.

A pioneer of the latest technological advances in program making, Sir David brings the natural world to audiences worldwide in ways not dreamt of just a few years ago.

Focusing on his latest programs, Sir David will share his most recent experiences filming the natural world, using the latest technology such as CGI and time-lapse, and showing audiences some of his programs highlights as they were meant to been watched – in 3D.

“Imagine Sir David, in person, on stage, talking about his latest filming expedition and then watching his work in 3D”, said Lateral Events CEO Simon Baggs. “This maybe the largest 3D viewing in Australia, a testament to Sir David’s continuing quest to use the latest technology to bring us closer to the natural world. It will truly be a unique experience.”

Following the sold-out tours of Australia in 2012 and 2013, the new show will provide a completely fresh look at the natural world and an insight into Sir David’s recent travels and discoveries.

PRICES:

Platinum $245.00

A Reserve $199.00
B Reserve $149.00
C Reserve $99.00
D Reserve $65.00

Payment processing and transaction fees apply

Find Nearby Accommodation at Metro Hotels in Sydney

Pre and Post Show Food and Beverages nearby at Palace Hotel Sydney

Find out more and purchase Tickets

DIRTY DANCING (Just Announced!) - Sydney Lyric in January 2015

JUST ANNOUNCED: The international hit musical DIRTY DANCING will return to Australia a decade after its World Premiere in Sydney, opening at the Sydney Lyric in January 2015!

Featuring hit songs including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me?” and the iconic (I’ve Had) “The Time Of My Life”, DIRTY DANCING has become one of the most popular musical productions of all time.

DIRTY DANCING RETURNS TO WHERE THE MAGIC BEGAN
Leading Australian theatre producer John Frost has announced the international hit musical Dirty Dancing will return to Australia in January 2015, a decade after its World Premiere in Sydney.

“Dirty Dancing has been an amazing worldwide success,” said Frost. “The 1987 film was a massive hit, and the original movie soundtrack contains some of the most loved songs of all time. The stage musical gave audiences the chance to hear these songs performed live and to experience the breathtaking dance routines. People flocked to it, breaking records all around the world.

The UK Observer called Dirty Dancing ‘The biggest live theatre sensation of all time’. Now, ten years after the World Premiere in Sydney, it returns home to where the magic began, playing at the Sydney Lyric where audiences can again have the Time Of Their Lives.”

Featuring hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the iconic (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Dirty Dancing has become one of the most popular musical productions of all time.

Waitlist now by adding Dirty Dancing to your favourites.

Club Lyric members will receive priority access to tickets. If you're not already a member, email club@sydneylyric.com.au to sign up.

Tickets from Ticket Master http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Dirty-Dancing-tickets/artist/1518833

Opera in the Reservoir | Spring Hill, Brisbane | August 1st to 30th, 2014

Opera in the Reservoir. The Spring Hill Reservoir, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane. Friday 1 August 2014, 7:30pm – Saturday 30 August 2014, 10:30pm

Brisbane’s Heritage-listed Spring Hill Reservoirs are set to become the new home for a leading Australian private opera company after being locked up and unused for decades.

Devoted to creating performance events in unusual, breathtaking spaces the Underground Opera Company (UOC) has provided a platform for professional singers and the audiences that love them for seven years.

Following negotiations over two years with the Brisbane City Council, UOC has the approval (and the keys!) to enter, clean and establish a purpose-built, high-quality performance space inside the Reservoirs. The interior is a stately, Victorian-esque space with pseudo-gothic arches and partitioned quarters conducive to comfortable, intimate seating.

A season of thirty (30) performances will be held throughout August 2014 to launch the new venue, with a maximum of 120 audience numbers per show.

“The Reservoirs are the ultimate space for our company – they are underground, rustic, earthy, conducive to good acoustics and have a special place in the historical heart of Brisbane people”, said company Director Bruce Edwards.

Built in 1871, the Reservoirs were once the main store house for drinking water extracted from hollows within Spring Hills, drawn up by the recently restored Spring Hill Windmill (Brisbane’s oldest surviving building, also Heritage-listed).

A quite achiever until recently, UOC has hosted events throughout Australia in natural, breathtaking spaces including the Jenolan Caves (Jenolan), Capricorn Caves (Rockhampton), Bli Bli Castle (Bli Bli), the Workshops Railway Museum (Ipswich), the Central Deborah Gold Mine (Bendigo) and in just a few weeks, the Hard Times Mine (Mt Isa).

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be provided this significant opportunity by Brisbane City Council and are ecstatic to bring world-class concerts and events to the backyard of all Brisbane people”, said Mr Edwards.

Tickets for the launch season will be available for purchase from TODAY 6 May 2014 via Ticketmaster. www.ticketmaster.com.au

Our audience have said-

"I laughed, cried and cheered. Do not miss these incredible concerts!"  D. Morgan

"I never thought I would enjoy Opera so much.  Underground Opera has just converted me!"  M. Boyd

"I have seen Opera concerts all around the world and Australia and this one certainly ranks as one of the best." R. Williamson

Get a group together for a great night out or make a perfectly romantic evening for just you and your partner.  

Get Tickets HERE

See you at the show!

Opera in the Reservoir | Spring Hill, Brisbane | August 1st to 30th, 2014

Opera in the Reservoir. The Spring Hill Reservoir, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane. Friday 1 August 2014, 7:30pm – Saturday 30 August 2014, 10:30pm

Brisbane’s Heritage-listed Spring Hill Reservoirs are set to become the new home for a leading Australian private opera company after being locked up and unused for decades.

Devoted to creating performance events in unusual, breathtaking spaces the Underground Opera Company (UOC) has provided a platform for professional singers and the audiences that love them for seven years.

Following negotiations over two years with the Brisbane City Council, UOC has the approval (and the keys!) to enter, clean and establish a purpose-built, high-quality performance space inside the Reservoirs. The interior is a stately, Victorian-esque space with pseudo-gothic arches and partitioned quarters conducive to comfortable, intimate seating.

A season of thirty (30) performances will be held throughout August 2014 to launch the new venue, with a maximum of 120 audience numbers per show.

“The Reservoirs are the ultimate space for our company – they are underground, rustic, earthy, conducive to good acoustics and have a special place in the historical heart of Brisbane people”, said company Director Bruce Edwards.

Built in 1871, the Reservoirs were once the main store house for drinking water extracted from hollows within Spring Hills, drawn up by the recently restored Spring Hill Windmill (Brisbane’s oldest surviving building, also Heritage-listed).

A quite achiever until recently, UOC has hosted events throughout Australia in natural, breathtaking spaces including the Jenolan Caves (Jenolan), Capricorn Caves (Rockhampton), Bli Bli Castle (Bli Bli), the Workshops Railway Museum (Ipswich), the Central Deborah Gold Mine (Bendigo) and in just a few weeks, the Hard Times Mine (Mt Isa).

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be provided this significant opportunity by Brisbane City Council and are ecstatic to bring world-class concerts and events to the backyard of all Brisbane people”, said Mr Edwards.

Tickets for the launch season will be available for purchase from TODAY 6 May 2014 via Ticketmaster. www.ticketmaster.com.au

Our audience have said-

"I laughed, cried and cheered. Do not miss these incredible concerts!"  D. Morgan

"I never thought I would enjoy Opera so much.  Underground Opera has just converted me!"  M. Boyd

"I have seen Opera concerts all around the world and Australia and this one certainly ranks as one of the best." R. Williamson

Get a group together for a great night out or make a perfectly romantic evening for just you and your partner.  

Get Tickets HERE

See you at the show!

'Game Of Thrones: The Exhibition' confirms Sydney dates

Now that the fourth blood-soaked season of HBO’s Game Of Thrones has come to a close, fans are no doubt left wondering what to do with themselves until season five. As previously announced, however, those based in Sydney have an extra helping hand in the form of Game Of Thrones: The Exhibition, which has now confirmed its running dates of July 1 to July 5.

Being hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the joint HBO-Google Play production will be open to the public, free of charge, between 10am and 8pm on its operating days. Launch day – Tuesday, July 1 – will have slightly later hours, running from 11am to 10pm.

The exhibition will feature a range of authentic costumes, props, armour and weapons seen on the show, and an Oculus Rift-powered immersive experience that puts users in the boots of some poor sap guarding the frozen, gargantuan Wall, and give attendees the opportunity to get their face snapped while lounging about on the world’s most uncomfortable-looking chair – the Iron Throne.

The announcement comes in conjunction with the release of Game Of Thrones’ fourth season on Google Play today, which includes a slew of exclusive content for Aussie buyers including the featurette A Slave To Grammar: Creating The Valyrian Language, which is a must-watch for anyone who wants to craft insults only other giant nerds will understand. A collected edition of the first three seasons is also available.

Source: http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2014/06/17/game-of-thrones-the-exhibition-confirms-sydney-dates/

Cool Yule: Darling Harbour's 'Icemen' ready to sculpt away

Edward Fraze and Don Harrison Jr, aka the "Icemen", have readied their tools - now all they need is a big ice block. Photo: Brendan Esposito

Darling Harbour has a pair of pocket aces up its sleeve in its attempt to draw families and tourists to the precinct as the mercury dips: two "extreme ice sculptors" from Colorado. 

Armed with chisels and chain saws, "Icemen" Edward Fraze and Don Harrison jnr will give three live sculpting performances from Tuesday night until Friday. 

The pair will have just 30 minutes to transform large slabs of ice, weighing up to 150 kilograms, into winter-theme pieces, and Fraze says audiences can expect a "very high energy, very intense performance".

"As the performance starts, one of us will take one part of the sculpture and the other will take the other part, and we just go to town. We almost race each other," Fraze said. 

The duo "like to improvise along the way", and Fraze hinted that a menagerie of icy polar bears, penguins and other snow-loving creatures would grace the Harbourside Amphitheatre before melting down to a puddle – eventually. 

While Sydney's winter is substantially milder than the Americans are used to, a supply of dry ice and water will slow the melting process. 

The free Extreme Ice Show is part of Darling Harbour's Cool Yule festival, which runs for four weeks until July 13. Other activities include a snow pit, an open-air ice-skating rink, a 25-metre inflatable snow slide, firework displays and a frozen forest installation. 

Strictly Ballroom the Musical to blitz Melbourne

PREPARE to bask in the glow of one of the world’s biggest disco balls.

Strictly Ballroom the Musical is coming to Melbourne and will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in January.

The glitzy stage version of Baz Luhrmann’s feel-good film will transfer from Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, where the world premiere in April evoked an instant standing ovation.

The date for Melbourne’s opening night is yet to be confirmed, but it will likely be mid-January before the show runs for a limited season.

Producer Carmen Pavlovic, of Global Creatures, said she hoped the show would follow the well-worn musical path of a national tour and then a stint in Asia.

Opening night of “Strictly Ballroom the Musical” in Sydney. Picture: James Morgan Source: Supplied

“There’s no doubt audiences are loving the show. It feels like a rock concert most nights I go in,” Pavlovic said. “I think the comment we’re most hearing is that it makes you feel good and just really puts a smile on your face.”

The stage show unites Strictly Ballroom’s original creative team, with Luhrmann as director and his Academy Award-winning wife Catherine Martin the creative brains behind the dazzling sets and costumes.

Two previously little-known performers, Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos, lead of cast of 43 which includes Bob Baines, Drew Forsythe, Natalie Gamsu and Robert Grubb.

The musical’s Sydney opening received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom praised the visual spectacle but were less impressed with the show’s emotional engagement.

Pavlovic — whose company also brought us King Kong and How to Train Your Dragon: Live Spectacular — said Strictly Ballroom got off to a solid start.

“I thought the reviews overall were good. They were mixed in some ways; some of that’s fair, some of it we’re working on as we go along,” she said.

“But that’s all part and parcel of creating a new show. It’s a very dynamic process. You have to remember that we’re creating new work here, unlike a lot of shows that come from the West End or Broadway, have been mounted several times and have all their kinks ironed out.”

Strictly Ballroom combines Broadway dazzle and kitch Aussie fun to tell the inspiring story of a champion dancer who breaks the rules to follow his heart.

There is no doubting the show’s eye-popping design, which extends to bright, sparkly covers on all the chairs in the theatre.
“The idea of Catherine’s design is that it really draws the audience into the performance and that ethos will be carried over into Melbourne,” Pavlovic said.

“Something the show does very well is invite the audience in and permit them to really feel part of it. I think that invitation is extended to audiences from the minute they step into the auditorium, right through to the end of show when the last people to take a bow at the end of the night are the audience.”

Tickets for the Melbourne season will go on sale on July 21 from Ticketek.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/arts/strictly-ballroom-the-musical-to-blitz-melbourne/story-fni0fcgk-1226955888143


Coming to Melbourne for Strictly Ballroom the Musical?

Book your next stay at Metro Apartments on Bank Place: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place

These serviced boutique apartments in the Mebourne CBD are located within easy reach to public transport.

It is just a walk out the front door to a large variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops and is in walking distance to Melbourne's famous Bourke Street Mall, the Southgate complex, Crown Casino and Southbank Promenade. Major Sporting venues including Etihad Stadium, the MCG and the Rod Laver Arena are just a short tram ride away.

Stop by reception and our friendly staff will be glad to give you tram and shuttle information to get you to the South Melbourne Market, Bridge Road Richmond, Chapel Street South Yarra, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Imax Theatre and Melbourne Museum, The Arts Centre, Old Melbourne Goal, Immigration Museum and many more cultural and entertainment attractions in the city.

Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) - International Music Day - Saturday June 21

The Australian Children's Music Foundation is a North Sydney based charity devoted to bringing the magic of music in the lives of disadvantaged children. 

The ACMF is proud to be appointed as the organisers for the Sydney music activities for the global event 'Fete de la Musique'.  

This event occurs annually on June 21 in over 450 cities worldwide and this is the first time Sydney has participated on such a scale.  We have received fantastic support from a number of organisations to bring this event to life, including the NSW Premiers Dept.  The purpose of the event is to celebrate all genres of music, both amateur and professional, with free performance in a variety of locations.  Any donations collected on the day at the stage areas will go towards providing ACMF music programs to disadvantaged children around Australia.

I've enclosed a media release and poster about the event.

We have over 150 artists performing in the following locations:

7.30am-9.30am:          Weekend Sunrise will be doing their weather broadcast crosses from the Rocks area where we have musicians

9am-4pm:                                Stage in the Rocks

9am-4pm:                                Stage at Darling Harbourside Ampitheatre

10am-12noon:             Musicians in Pitt Street Mall

10am-12noon:             String Quartet at Qantas Lounge at Sydney Airport

10am-3pm:                              Musicians on the Manly Ferry

11am-1pm:                              Street performers on QVB forecourt (cnr George & Park St entrance)

11am-1pm:                              Musicians at Central Train Station

11am-1pm:                              Musicians at Bondi Pavilion

View the official Web page http://acmf.com.au/

One Direction is coming to Brisbane in February 2015

SUNCORP Stadium is heading for another sell out event next year with One Direction announcing a concert in Brisbane on February 11, 2015.

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson said the world's biggest pop boy band will hit Brisbane on February 11, as part of the "On the Road Again Tour 2015".

Mr Dickson said the concert was expected to inject at least $5 million into the Queensland economy.

"With all 190,000 tickets sold for the 18 shows held in Australia and New Zealand during their 'Take Me Home Tour' last year, I'm sure this will be a sell-out," Mr Dickson said.

"Major sporting and entertainment events have a vital role in contributing to the Queensland Government's tourism target of $30 billion a year in overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.

"Our ongoing investment in maintaining and developing Suncorp Stadium infrastructure ensures it is an ideal outdoor concert venue, and the entire community benefits from the economic flow-on.

"One Direction will be the 14th international act in eight years to perform at the Stadium, and with more than 485,000 patrons having attended concerts there so far, it seems appropriate for One Direction to smash through the half million barrier."

Liam Payne from One Direction said, "We can't wait to come back to Australia and play for all our fans again on the On the Road Again 2015 Tour. Our Australian fans have been there for us since day one, and we always have such a great time there. We'll see you all in February next year!"

Mr Dickson announced residents living in the Stadium precinct would be offered the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets to the concert before they went on sale to the general public on May 31.

"Details of this special pre-sale will be shared with the local community via a letterbox drop next week," he said.

Mr Dickson said a 10.30pm curfew and noise control measures applied.

"The Stadium will engage specialist acoustic consultants to assist in the management of noise control," he said.

"As part of that process, sound engineers will be at the control panel during the concerts and will be in communication with technicians monitoring noise levels at various locations outside the Stadium to ensure they remain compliant with guidelines."

Public transport to and from the venue is provided free for all ticketholders.

Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/one-direction-coming-brisbane-february-2015/2262147/