Big Bogan Energy!

There’s something really heartening about the term bogan being used as a positive, finally. For too long, Australian and Kiwi working-class people, as with “chavs” in England and “neds” in Scotland, have been characterised as uncouth, stupid and a menace to society at large. Stereotypes persisted, of drinking, vandalism, prison tattoos and mullets, and notContinue reading “Big Bogan Energy!”

Vintage Film Review: How To Marry A Millionaire (1953)

On the surface, the classic 1953 Hollywood comedy How To Marry A Millionaire directed by Jean Negulesco, is the usual sexist nonsense, very much of its time, focusing as the title suggests on three models each of whose sole purpose in life is to be an attractive gold digger, dedicating all their time to seekingContinue reading “Vintage Film Review: How To Marry A Millionaire (1953)”

Vintage Film Review: Royal Ballet-Romeo and Juliet

This ballet , first screened on TV in 1977, was choreographed by Kenneth McMillan, and features the legendary pairing of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev at the height of their powers. It goes without saying that the emphasis was on storytelling, with the onus on the leads, whose movement vocabulary was emotive and dynamic, particularlyContinue reading “Vintage Film Review: Royal Ballet-Romeo and Juliet”

Should’ve Been A Hit: Pop Will Eat Itself-Can U Dig It?

P…WE…I! Back in the day, West Midlands scamps Pop Will Eat Itself were a scrappy grebo band. Grebo was a term for scruffy, rough around the edges indie bands and was ubiquitous for about ten minutes in the mid -eighties. It obviously didn’t take off like grunge or Britpop, though. Then, after zero success, butContinue reading “Should’ve Been A Hit: Pop Will Eat Itself-Can U Dig It?”

Film Review: Liza Minnelli-The Last Heiress of Hollywood

Lucie Caries’ film about Hollywood icon Liza Minnelli is candid and moving, precisely because her subject isn’t afraid to speak openly and honestly about her tragedies as well as triumphant moments.So there’s battles with drugs and drink; unsuitable romances, Bob Fosse, Studio 54, Andy Warhol , Michael Jackson, AIDS activism, and a Pet Shop BoysContinue reading “Film Review: Liza Minnelli-The Last Heiress of Hollywood”

Theatre Review: Sunset Boulevard- The Backstage Cut

Perth Theatre, 9th of May, 2026. Writer and director Morag Fullarton follows the winning formula she created with Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut, with this, at once deconstruction of and homage to the classic Billy Wilder Hollywood satire. This isn’t the play’s first rodeo though- its first iteration was at A Play A Pie andContinue reading “Theatre Review: Sunset Boulevard- The Backstage Cut”

Great Style Never Fades

Some looks are timeless. Here are a few icons providing that some ideas are classic-from really simple, to flamboyant. Top: Prince in his ruffled regal pomp. A still from the film ‘Purple Rain’ in 1984. This was the soundtrack and film that made him a global superstar. Below: this picture features the wonderful Debbie HarryContinue reading “Great Style Never Fades”

Vintage Film Review: Quadrophenia (1979)

“We are the mods, we are the mods, we are, we are, we are the mods”. Few chants are as iconic in British cinema as Franc Roddam’s peerless Quadrophenia. With a star- making turn from Phil “Park life!” Daniels as frustrated “face” Jimmy, plus brilliant support from the likes of Jamie Winstone, Sting, Leslie Ash,Continue reading “Vintage Film Review: Quadrophenia (1979)”

Nick Cave Virtual Exhibition: Stranger Than Kindness

Available through Nick Cave’s website is the chance to virtually take a trip through his exhibition, Stranger Than Kindness. It’s a fascinating wander through his passions, inspiration, musings and the creative process itself. Featuring artwork by Cave and a painting by old flame Anita Lane, to mocked-up studios, an old bedroom and library, ephemera, toContinue reading “Nick Cave Virtual Exhibition: Stranger Than Kindness”

Film Review : Pavements

When is a biopic about Pavement not a biopic about Pavement? When it’s Pavements. This film, written and directed by Alex Ross Perry eschews a linear rock doc narrative, exactly as you’d expect for an American indie band who are a mass of contradictions: with a sound forever torn between sleepy and frenetic; loose andContinue reading “Film Review : Pavements”