Food, Wine and Good Times

Brisbane Good Food and Wine Festival

Brisbane Good Food and Wine Festival Rating

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Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the Good Food and Wine Show at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Featuring over 300 exhibitors from all over Australia, there was everything from artisanal goodies like breads, cheeses, delicious sweet treats, chutneys and spice mixes and everything in between. But if food is not your thing, there was also plenty of wine and spirits to be had from some of Australia’s top wineries, distillery and breweries.

The Brisbane Good Food and Wine Festival is truly a delightful celebration for food enthusiasts. But for me, this year’s highlight was the BBQ Ribs Masterclass. The session was both informative and hands-on, providing participants with insider tips on seasoning, marinating, and the perfect cooking techniques for tender, flavorful ribs.

The atmosphere was electric, with the aromas of smoky BBQ wafting through the air. Attendees had the chance to get up close and personal with the grilling process, learning the art of achieving that perfect char while keeping the meat juicy and tender for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

 

But if BBQ Ribs are not your thing, fear not; there are plenty of masterclasses and cooking demonstrations to satisfy your every foodie desire. The camaraderie among food lovers added to the experience, creating a festive vibe that resonated throughout the event.

Overall, the BBQ Ribs Masterclass was a standout event, perfectly blending education with indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned cook, a novice, or just a lover of all things food, wine, and good times, this experience will not disappoint. It offered attendees valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for all things produce, food, wine, and spirits.

There was so much to see and do we couldn’t actually fit it all in. The Brisbane Food and Wine Festival continues to impress, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves good food and great company.

The Festival is over for 2024, but be sure to mark your calendars for the 24th-26th October 2025 next year when the Good Food & Wine Show returns to Brisbane, or sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date @ https://goodfoodshow.com.au/. See you next year!

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Abadon Productions Dance of the Dead: Untameable Energy

Abadon Productions Dance of the Dead

Abadon Productions Dance of the Dead Rating

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Dance of the Dead offers boundless energy that screams they can’t be tamed. This Burlesque production focuses on ‘Eldritch Entertainment’ as is parodied throughout the performance.

We see many acts grace the stage and sometimes the audience as they use the whole space at Arcana to bring a surprising delight. Our macabre host ‘Don’ ties the evening and acts together, allowing for the theming to flow continuously. It is a performance that extracts many laughs and cheers from its willing audience.

Abadon and its Cast should be applauded for their captivating and enthusiastic performances. Many talented women show off ferocious female energy that encapsulates empowerment and seduction all in one. We also see some budding young men who steal the stage with eighties-inspired acts sure to elicit a laugh. Combining these two contrasting styles means it is jam-packed with groove and gore.

The choreography delivers many striking moments, skillfully using levels, cannons, and props for a very entertaining style. It makes fantastic use of timing and comedy, not allowing the audience to lull for even a moment. Comedy is also incorporated into the costuming for ingenious jokes that are a guaranteed laugh. The costumes offer the glitz and glam you’d expect from burlesque but with a darker take due to the Halloween theming.

 

This production should also be commended on its strong use of characterisation to drive the show. We are presented with clear, recognisable characters that play off each other wonderfully in dance numbers and speaking acts. We’re also delighted with the vocal talents of our cast as they sing a few numbers with confidence and mastery of their voices. It is quite a feat to watch someone belt a Halsey number whilst laying on their back performing a dance number.

The song choices matched well with the characters who sang or danced to them, and there was a large variety of pairings in the show. There are opportunities for audience interaction woven into the show, and our performers don’t disappoint, happily singling people out for an extra laugh. They don’t leave the audience dissatisfied, and they pick up the energy and pace post-intermission.

You will definitely be entertained if you attend Dance of the Dead, with it providing a fantastic variety in dance, characterisation, voice and seduction. If you’re looking for a more mature take on Halloween that gives you tricks and treats, then don’t miss this one. Abadon Productions gives an entertaining show full of confidence and comedy, a gleeful atmosphere that is worth the trip.

The Dance Of The Dead has only a few shows remaining today and tomorrow(November 1st and 2nd), so book your tickets as soon as possible @ https://arcanabrisbane.com/whatson/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Falling into Place: British Film Festival

Falling into Place

Falling into Place Rating

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Set against the stark backdrop of a bleak Scottish winter, “Falling into Place” invites viewers into a world where two lost souls briefly collide in a bar, igniting a day filled with fleeting joy and profound connection. Directed and written by Aylin Tenzel, who also stars as the film’s emotionally troubled protagonist, the narrative explores the depths of despair and the search for solace in unexpected places.

Tenzel’s character is an artist grappling with the aftermath of a painful breakup, her self-worth at an all-time low. She isolates herself from her family, terrified that revealing her struggles will expose her vulnerabilities. Tenzel embodies this emotional turmoil with a raw honesty that resonates deeply, showcasing her talent as an actress and storyteller.

Opposite her is Chris Fulton, known for his roles in “Outlander” and “Bridgerton,” who plays a man equally enshrouded in grief. His character battles the aftermath of his sister’s suicide attempts and a relationship that has long since soured. Together, Tenzel and Fulton create an intense chemistry that pulses through the film, offering a glimpse of hope amidst their mutual pain. Their connection is not one of idealized romance but rather a bond forged in shared suffering—a recognition of their own self-destructive tendencies.

What sets “Falling into Place” apart is its unflinching portrayal of mental health issues. The film does not shy away from presenting its protagonists in an unflattering light; rather, it embraces their flaws and struggles, allowing audiences to empathize with their journeys. This authenticity is refreshing in a genre often dominated by idealized relationships.

While the film’s pacing may feel slow at times, the emotional weight it carries makes the eventual payoff worthwhile. Tenzel’s directorial debut is a powerful commentary on the healing power of shared experiences, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate intimate, character-driven storytelling.

The British Film Festival 2024 runs from Nov – Dec 8.

To book tickets to this or other films click https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/ for session and venue details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Film Review: Weekend In Taipei

Weekend in Taipei

Weekend in Taipei Rating

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From the visionary creator of The Fifth Element, Luc Besson comes the exhilarating action film Weekend in Taipei.

You don’t have to wait for long before the first action scene begins, 5 minutes in fact, where a brand new Ferrari takes you on a high-speed joyride through Taiwan’s capital, Taipei. 

The film centers around a DEA agent, portrayed by Luke Evans, who is on a relentless mission to dismantle a formidable drug lord’s operation. Unbeknownst to him, this notorious criminal is married to his former love interest, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.

The plot takes viewers on a journey from the United States to Taiwan, where the reunion between the long-lost lovers sparks unresolved feelings and secrets. This rekindling of romance unveils a love triangle that complicates the agent’s mission, leading to a gripping confrontation between good and evil.

 

The combination of Luke Evans, known for his roles in Hollywood Blockbusters such as Clash of the Titans, a very likeable leading lady, played by Gwei Lun-mei, hailing from Taiwan, and ‘bad guy’, Sung Kang, who starred in the Fast & Furious franchise, makes for a strong cast. 

Where the film lacks a strong story, it definitely overachieves in superbly choreographed fight scenes, with lots of humour thrown in. With the addition of a killer soundtrack, some gorgeous cinematography, and good duration, this film is perfect for an entertaining cinematic experience without the need for deep contemplation.

Weekend In Taipei will open in Australian cinemas in the coming weeks. Check your local cinemas for session details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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