Adam Mada Sydney Spiegeltest Photo credit Leo Bonne Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD When you hear or read the term, “children’s magician”, what comes to mind?  I think of a middle-aged man in a clown suit or an outfit that possibly includes a plastic top hat and a polka-dot bow tie that he obtained at a party hire shop. He does tricks with cups and balls, sponge animals, playing cards, linking rings, balloons, pieces of rope and plucks coins from behind ears. He says the magic words, blows on his hand, sprinkles the magic dust, snaps his fingers, sucks air though closed teeth while ..read more

Regardless of their intellectual or physical capacity, the primary need of any child is support and care from their parents. If your child is suffering from a disability, then it’s your duty to seek out and provide the necessary resources and assistance to help promote their well-being and development. For Australian-based families, multiple available support systems exist and can help foster your child’s growth and development. This consists of both government and non-profit organisations. These disability support options aim to provide resources that can improve the quality of life of ..read more

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon Directed by Mark Kilmurry Theatre Royal Photo credit Pia Johnson Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP We’re all familiar with The Odd Couple television series that ran from 1970 to 1975. Felix Unger, an anally-retentive, fastidious neat freak, is thrown out of the marital home and is taken in by poker buddy, Oscar Madison, who is not exactly house-proud. The premise might have inspired the twelve seasons of Two and a Half Men. So is a concept that was created by Neil Simon exactly sixty years ago relevant to today’s society, or would it be considered to be a q ..read more

Anticipating the arrival of a new baby is always a thrill, but when it's two newborns on the way, the excitement is doubled! It's a time filled with anticipation and a touch of nerves for the parents. So, what kind of baby gifts are perfect for twins?  Keep reading, because we've got a wealth of ideas to share with you. Start With The Baby Shower Building a hamper that incorporates gifts for Mum and the twins is an excellent start at a baby shower. Why not pitch in with other guests to create a hamper with everything a new mum could wish for? Let's Talk Practical Baby Gi ..read more

Nestled in picturesque Allworth, NSW, The Farmer's Wife Distillery is a must-visit destination for gin aficionados. This boutique distillery crafts exquisite gins that honour the rich tradition of gin-making, enhanced by unique Australian botanicals. Their signature gin, featuring native sage, myrtles, pepperberry, and the exquisite sugar bag honey, offers a complex yet smooth flavor profile that delights the palate. Farmers Wife Gin Recently family and I celebrated a birthday at The Farmer's Wife Distillery, and the experience was exceptional. As we stepped inside, we were welcomed b ..read more

Limbo The Return Creative Director Scott Maidment The Grand Electric Photo Credit: Damien Bredberg Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP In the 1980s The Performance Space staged some strange and innovative productions that included one that involved the importation of 15 tonnes of sand for the set. Then it became the Giant Dwarf Theatre which was basically an improv school. The latest incarnation at 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills is The Grand Electric which is backing up its last show with the compellingly delicious mix of cabaret, music, dance, circus, acrobatics, decadence and fi ..read more

Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett Creative Director/Producer Tom Velvick EmCee, Singer and Director Bernie Dieter Sydney Spiegeltent Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park until July 28 Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP It was standing room only in the packed Sydney Spiegeltent for the opening of Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett. The uninhibited debauchery and freedom of 1930s Berlin cabaret is alive.  Bernie, the ultimate cabaret artiste and EmCee, is a combination of Joel Gray from the musical Cabaret, Carlotta, Frank 'N' Furter and former Cabaret Conspiracy singer Boom Boom La Bern. Bernie ..read more

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Director: Neil Armfield Photo credits: Jeff Busby and Brett Boardman Theatre Royal until June 23 Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP It’s 1949 in Brooklyn, and Willie Loman is an old-school salesman in a hat and a brown suit. He is in his sixties and has been pounding the pavements and the roads for decades but progress has overtaken him. He thinks that he still has the chops for it but his last 700 mile sales trip resulted in no conversions. He has been more a journeyman than a hotshot salesman and his mediocre career is fizzling out. Willie is proud, opiniona ..read more

Best of the Fest 2024 Manning Bar University of Sydney                      Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP Best of the Fest is an international showcase that's part of the Sydney Comedy Festival and was staged at the Manning Bar in the grounds of the University of Sydney.  MC Jess Fuchs, who has been doing stand-up for a relatively short period of time, warmly engaged the audience with her welcoming attitude, openness and self-effacing humour. The audience was only slightly warm and sh ..read more

In a recent study, Sydney earned recognition as one of the top 10 best cities globally for street art, and Penrith’s Manufactor precinct is one of the city's best places to witness the reason why. The lively innovation hub located in Western Sydney is a testament to the transformative power of Sydney's art scene. What was once the industrial Crane Enfield Metal factory has evolved into a captivating canvas for renowned artists, including Sam Absur, Mista M & Orkaydia, Zoë Sujii, and Calum, who left their mark during the Walls Out West street art festival in 2023. New artwork ..read more