WORKSHOP FOR NEW FATHERS

If the films Men’s Group and Separation City are anything to go by, we know that Australian men and especially fathers need a better community network system where they can address their anxieties, overwhelming emotions and fears without being judged. The Benevolent Society recognises this and has gone a step further and introduced a workshop for expectant fathers that not only addresses their psychological state but also provides practical skills and tips on how to bond with their babies. We know our Aussie men make great husbands and dads so here’s to letting them know we support and care about them too. Please call the number below for more information about this worthwhile workshop.

Every Mon until 20 Dec and starting again from Jan 17. Scarba House, 24A Ocean St, Bondi. Free. 0419 461 422

DVD OF THE WEEK: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS

Ok, so I was babysitting my nephews and I had to choose something for them. Well, the thing is I love animation. In my opinion, Up and Fantastic Mr. Fox were some of the best films I saw this year. Cloudy was not in the same league as the above-mentioned films but it was heaps of fun. The story goes a little like this. Little boy loves inventing but never quite got his break until he discovered a way to make it rain food. This is followed by success, consequences, lessons learnt and of course a cute, nerdy love story to complement the usual plot. It also tackled a few subjects like obesity, hormone-injected food and greed but only in a breezy touch-and-go manner that kids (and some adults) may not even notice. I don’t care what the critics are saying, I can’t wait to watch Megamind.

THE DIARY OF A MAD MAN

This is Artistic Director Neil Armfield’s last hurrah. And what better way to say farewell to Belvoir than with a production that has been 2 decades in the making. Armfield and Geoffrey Rush are reviving Nikolai Gogol’s farcical short story after they first staged it 21 years ago. They then teamed up in many other projects including the film Candy in 2006, but it is this production that will prove to be the bitter sweet icing on the cake. The catch, everyone wants a piece of Rush and Armfield and The Diary has expectedly sold out but a limited number of tickets will be released from 2 Jan – 5 Feb at 9.30am and 2.30pm on Sundays at the box office. Get in there quick!

Trailer for Candy

Belvoir St Upstairs Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $32-$42, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au

ARJ BARKER: LET ME DO THE TALKING

The man who needs no introduction in his adopted country Australia, is back. He charmed audiences with his super laid-back style of comedy with fellow idlers Jermaine and Brett on Flight of the Conchords and has remained a permanent fixture in the Aussie stand-up comedy circuit in the past few years. With pearls of wisdom about topics like climate change where he asks audience to direct their concerns to the sun instead of the earth : “I’m no scientist but when I burn my toast, I don’t blame the bread”, Barker is set to re-educate the nation with his Let Me Do The Talking tour.

GOSSIP: I talked to Arj Barker a few days ago and he made for a very interesting interview. Stay tuned to this blog to see my interview with the bandana slacker.

Dec 7 – 11. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney. $39.90-$69. 9373 6655, statetheatre.com.au, arjbarker.com

OPEN DAY AT THE WHARF

Pier 4/5 or The Wharf is home to Sydney Theatre Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company, Australian Theatre for Young People, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Regional Arts NSW, Accessible Arts, The Song Company, Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children’s Choir. It also plays host to the annual Sydney Writers’ Festival and Biennale of Sydney. For one day only, this vibrant arts capital is opening its doors for a sneak peak into backstage secrets and free discussions and forums with a special appearance from Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett, John Bell and Rafael Bonachela amongst many others. A scenic setting for an artistic afternoon, bring the whole family.

GOSSIP: I saw Cate Blanchett at the Sydney Theatre Company’s latest production UNCLE VANYA and at an opening night at a local theatre. And the rumours are bloody true, she is ethereal. Go see her in the skin at The Wharf.

5 Dec. 10am – 4pm.  The Wharf, Pier 4 & 5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay

TOM SHARAH IN ‘QUE SERA SHARAH’

Que Sera Sharah is described as “a cabaret with attitude”. I didn’t think one existed without the other and this one-man cabaret show sounds like a roller coaster ride of laughs and punches. We saw another cabaret star Paul Capsis pour out his heart on stage in Angela’s Kitchen, a very personal tale about his relationship with his Maltese grandmother, and now 2009 Sydney Cabaret Showcase winner, 22-year-old Tom Sharah is sharing his awkward story replete with the follies of Gen Y in a comedy/musical mash-up. Already a hit at the The Adelaide Cabaret Festival and The Noosa Long Weekend Festival, Tom’s Sydney show will not disappoint.

1 – 4 Dec. 7pm. The El Rocco Room (Formerly Bar Me), 154 Brougham St (cnr William St), Kings Cross. $20-$25. 1300 GET TIX (438 849), moshtix.com.au

ANTHONY LISTER: MEMORIES NOT INCLUDED

If a superhero came with a candy cane, would you trust him? If Spiderman had breasts, would you still comic-book fantasize about him/her? Lister’s pieces make you smile. On first glance, you are easily sucked into his cheeky sense of humour. On careful inspection, you start to pick apart the cultural references. The Brisbane born and New York based artist conjured up this entire exhibition, a mix of paintings and sculptures, to shake himself off an idle stage after he’d broken his leg.  We reckon the wheelchair may just be his inspiration. This is pop culture meets art meets super heroes, even temporarily crippled ones with watercolour imaginations.

25 Nov – 18 Dec. Chalk Horse, 94 Cooper St, Surry Hills, 9211 8999, chalkhorse.com.au

CONSUMER POWER

You pull out the steaming leftover green curry from the microwave oven. You dig into a warm piece of chicken, smiles all around. Then the frozen carrot stick nearly breaks your teeth. If only you had bought your oven after an evaluation from the Choice kitchen lab where the testing equipment ‘hedgehog’ can tell you exactly how evenly food has been heated in a microwave. From improving safety standards to ingredient labeling, consumer advocate group Choice has given the power back to customers. This is an extraordinary showcase of the mundane things we take for granted.

Until 15 May 2011. Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo. ($5-$10 with admission) powerhousemuseum.com

DVD OF THE WEEK: GREENBERG

Awkward is the new black, if black is still the new black. From Kristen Stewart’s tomboyish stiffness to Michael Cera’s adorable gawkiness, awkward seems to translate well in the box office. And Greta Gerwig and Ben Stiller do their own brand of awkward to a tee in Greenberg. Click here to read my full review.