The Golden Compass; fantasy film review

BEARABLE: Dakota Blue Richards and Iorek Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellen) in a scene from The Golden Compass.
Image: New Line Cinema

In the world of The Golden Compass, the souls of humans live outside their bodies as daemons, and in animal form. The human and daemon pairs are always the opposite sex, bonded by a powerful energy and can communicate telepathically.

The powerful and sinister Magisterium rule the order of everyday life and would destroy anything that undermines their authority, hence the Alethiometer or Golden Compass is a dangerous threat to their existence.

The only person who can read the Alethiometer is Lyra Belacqua, who embarks on an heroic journey to save her best friend and solve the mystery of the disappearing children.

The Over-controversialised Compass by Linh

It is said that a book mustn't be judged by its cover, so it seems that a movie shouldn't be judged by the book it's based upon.

The Golden Compass is the first book of the trilogy in Philip Pullman's children fantasy 'His Dark Materials' and is better seen as a stand alone film despite being an adaptation of the novel.

Director Chris Weitz and the film's producers have agreed to the film's numerous re-writes and re-casting in order to broaden its appeal and water down the so-called anti-religious or pro-atheist elements prominent in the book.

The result is a magnificently imaginative visualisation of the novel, where tales of love, self-sacrifice, triumph of good over evil, and the empowerment of children are brought to the big screen.

Unfortunately, some scenes have been swapped and the ending of the film differs to that of the book, yet the plot remains largely intact.

Newcomer Dakota Blue Richards was chosen from ten thousand young hopefuls who auditioned for the role of Lyra Belacqua in 2006.
In her first acting role, Dakota Blue Richards brings a charming quirkiness to the plucky Lyra, whose presence and curious nature immediately sets her apart from the other child characters.

As the sleek and beautiful Mrs Marisa Coulter, Nicole Kidman is miscast as she purrs her way through some scenes and struggles to turn nasty in others. Despite her fizzled attempts to portray a deeply wicked and heartless monster, Nicole Kidman looks stunning on screen and remains focussed on her character's intentions.

Daniel Craig plays the determined Lord Asriel, Lyra's 'Uncle' and guardian, who believes in the magical 'Dust' which is forbidden and rejected by the Magisterium. Daniel Craig provides some of the great acting moments to lift a few dreary aspects of the film.

Sam Elliott plays Lee Scoresby, the gun-toting, quick witted Texan aeronaut who willingly assists Lyra on her adventure. Sam Elliott looks like he stepped out of a western and into the fantasy world, yet his character is a refreshing contrast to many of the other more darker roles in the film.

The standout performer is not human but a computer generated Polar Ice Bear named Iorek Byrnison and is voiced by Ian McKellen. In a thrilling one on one battle scene, Iorek defeats the King of the Ice Bears, Ragnar Sturlusson (voiced by Ian McShane and named Iorfur Raknison in the book) to rightfully claim the crown.

Other admirable performances include Eva Green's provocative turn as Serafina Pekkala, the Queen of the witches; Tom Courtenay as the wise and caring Farder Coram; Christopher Lee is imposing as the Magisterium's First High Councilor alongside the equally impressive Derek Jacobi playing the Magisterial Emissary; also keep an eye out for Magda Szubanski as the very observant and quiet Mrs Lonsdale.

Some scenes are intensely frightening for younger audiences such as warfare between human and animals and the fight between the Polar Ice Bears. Yet, The Golden Compass is enjoyable and harmless fun concerning a fantasy world of wonderment, free thinking and danger.

Disney's Enchanted - film review

ENCHANTMENT: A hand drawn animation scene from the film 'Enchanted'. Image: Walt Disney Pictures -
www.sewardstreet.com

Fairytale Fun by Linh

Disney has returned to its roots yet has added a touch of reality to its usual animated magic.

In its latest family film offering, Disney's 'Enchanted' combines comedy and musical animation with live action in a wonderful juxtaposition of fairytale 'happily ever after' and cynical New York style endings.

In its opening scenes, 'Enchanted' encompasses all the typical Disney animated flair which is reminiscent of its classic hand drawn animation films, but the fantasy continues in a different form when the animated characters enter the real world of modern day New York as real people.

Amy Adams stars as the fairytale Princess-to-be, Giselle, whose only wish is to marry the dashing Prince Edward whom she believes is her one true love. Amy Adams' portrayal of Giselle embodies all the Disney heroines including Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, yet she succeeds in making Giselle a uniquely extraordinary character. Amy Adams shines in all her musical numbers, in particular the big production song That's How You Know with a reggae beat and a touch of cheeky brass accompanying her dulcet vocals. In Happy Working Song her vocal expression is euphonious as she dances and sings while cockroaches, pigeons and rats help her clean the house.

Patrick Dempsey of television's 'Grey's Anatomy' fame, provides the romantic interest who is unusually unromantic. Patrick Dempsey's character represents the realities of life, who unflinchingly dismisses fairytales as nonsense until he is touched by Giselle's irresistible charms.

James Marsden plays the vapid and vain Prince Edward with plenty of charm whose chivalry knows no bounds. James Marsden sings with vocal brilliance in the duet True Love's Kiss with Amy Adams, brings romance and passion to That's Amore and is believable as the fairytale Prince.

Susan Sarandon is the venomous and evil Queen Narissa whose only goal is to eliminate any competition to her reign in the Kingdom of Andalasia. Susan Sarandon is deliciously wicked and quite frightening in both animated version and live action as the Queen.

Topping and tailing 'Enchanted' is the actress who has enchanted a generation of film goers with her familiar distinctive vocals - Julie Andrews, whose narration is fittingly eloquent.

Alan Menken's canorous musical composition combined with Stephen Schwartz's well-pitched lyrics make the score of 'Enchanted' an aural pleasure.

'Enchanted' is a brilliant film for the entire family and anyone who likes the magic of Disney with a twist.

MUSICAL MUSINGS: Amy Adams as Giselle and Patrick Dempsey as Robert in a scene from 'Enchanted'.
Image: Walt Disney Pictures -
www.justjared.buzznet.com

Linh in Melbourne - Final day; Best and Worst Things About Melbourne

Mad About Melbourne by Linh

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne and spending the last few days in the Donald Bradman room was a lovely change, but I still love the Penguin room.

I'll be missing Melbourne when I leave and will definitely return next year to see more theatre, live entertainment and visit the Melbourne Aquarium again.

I haven't been to many eateries as I'm not a dedicated foodie but I will attempt to increase my visitations to restaurants and cafes during future trips to Melbourne.

I'll miss The Stork Hotel, and will look out for more theatre when Helen and Paul Madden open up their new theatre venue next year. Hopefully it would be in the CBD and within walking distance.


Best Things About Melbourne:

- Everything in the CBD is within walking distance including the Melbourne Aquarium, the Victorian Arts Centre, the Immigration Museum, Federation Square, Chinatown, Greek Precinct, Queen Victoria Market, Bourke Street Mall.

- There are internet cafes on every street. Some internet cafes are within metres of each other.

- The Skybus Super Shuttle which transfers you from Tullamarine Airport to the Southern Cross Station, where you then board a Skybus Mini Shuttle to transport you to your hotel.

- Choco Churro, the enchanted Spanish doughnut.

- The Victorian Arts Centre which is the equivalent to the Adelaide Festival Centre.

- The Queen Victoria Market which is combination of Adelaide's Central Market and the Brickworks Market.

Worst Things About Melbourne

- The sexual predators who goose, grope and rub up against women and young girls on crowded trams. This would become a problem in Adelaide if Transadelaide decides to remove more seats from public transport instead of getting more trains, trams and buses. (Yes, I was groped during a short trip on a crowded tram).

- The closure of the historic Stork Hotel, not only losing accommodation for tourists but also a wonderful theatre venue.

Linh in Melbourne - Hotel Heaven Part Three ; Bradman; Spanish Doughnut

Bowled Over by Linh

For the last weekend at The Stork Hotel, I have been lucky enough to get an upgrade of sorts to a different room.

It was sad to leave The Penguin room but exciting to be in a room dedicated to one of cricket's greatest players and an Australian icon.

The Sir Donald Bradman room is The Stork Hotel's tribute to the man who epitomised outstanding excellence not just in sporting pursuits but is also a fine example of professionalism, dedication and sportsmanship for future Australian athletes in all sports.

It's inspiring and wonderful to be in the midst of a truly great Australian.


Spanish Doughnut by Linh

My idea of a conventional doughnut are those voraciously devoured with much haste by Homer Simpson. That is until I came across the enchanting Spanish doughnut stand 'Choco Churro' on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

Cooked in cholesterol free vegetable oil, without preservatives or artificial colouring and sweeteners, the Churro comes with a variety of flavoursome fillings including chocolate, caramel, custard, jam, orange, lemon, passionfruit and apple and cinnamon.

The lightly textured dough and the crispiness are appealling and the taste is pleasing although slightly chewy. Having only tasted the Choco Churro Loops and Bombon Churro, I would recommend the Spanish doughnut as an alternative to the ringed and circular filled ones.

Unfortunately, Choco Churro is a franchise only found in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia but not in South Australia.

Linh in Melbourne - Ali McGregor; jazz concert review

CABARET QUEEN: Ali McGregor presents some of her favourite jazz songs in 'Jazz Cigarette'.
Image: Damian W Vincenzi

Jazzbird On Song by Linh

Beautiful soprano Ali McGregor has spread her vocal wings to explore and experiment with different styles of singing and music genres, in this case the soulful rhythms of jazz.

Ali admits she wouldn't have considered jazz singing if it weren't for the immense enjoyment she felt following her impromptu performance of jazz songs at a friend's engagement party.

In her one-off jazz concert 'Jazz Cigarette' staged in the world famous Spiegeltent, Ali is joined by a trio of music's finest, namely Ben Winkelman on piano, Ben Hendry on drums and Sam Anning on bass. Their expert musical accompaniment throughout adds exceptional sparkle to Ali's scintillating vocals.

Performing jazz standards from some of her favourite singers including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan, Ali gives a thrilling and crowd pleasing performance.

Ali shows vocal versatility with deep and rich tones for Georgia On My Mind, silky smooth eloquence in So In Love and an abundance of playful sassiness in Ain't Misbehavin'.

Her rendition of Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered is beguiling and Ali gives an impassioned delivery of Summertime.

Few performers can cross musical boundaries and singer Ali McGregor is a rarity whose vocal talents make her the impressive all-rounder.

Linh in Melbourne - Short and Sweet; theatre

In 2001, Sydney writer/director Mark Cleary created 'Short and Sweet', a series of theatre performances to showcase the best new writers, actors, directors and independent theatre companies in Australia and the world, also giving new talent an opportunity to surface.

'Short and Sweet' is a competition where applicants present a season of original short plays of ten minutes or less that reflects quality writing, performance and production skills.

Mark Cleary's aim of making theatre more accessible and affordable to a wider audience has been realised as 'Short and Sweet' has become the biggest short play festival in the world.

In 2007, the festival assessors received a staggering 1141 scripts from 12 different countries including Germany, Singapore, Canada and Finland. The Melbourne season of 'Short and Sweet' runs for three weeks with ten plays from the 'Top Thirty' performed four times a week and 'Wildcard' entries to be performed as a one-off during each week.

Bite Size Theatre by Linh

Being in Melbourne for a week, I was fortunate to attend week one of the 'Short and Sweet' competition.

It was refreshing and entertaining to see such diverse talents and skills on display.

However, some of the plays were bordering on ludicrous to sicko, while others were insightful, poignant and humourous.

An exciting aspect of 'Short and Sweet' is audiences who attend the performances can vote for their favourite play, and the winning plays will receive cash from a $20,000 prize pool and other development opportunities for their production.

The standout plays that satisfied my theatrical appetite are:

Michael Goes Home directed by Jae Dee Scott and written by Melbournian Bridgette Burton, is about a young former drug addict who has completed his time in prison and hopes to reunite with his parents.

It's a moving, and engaging human drama with great performances from a cast of four.
Mick Lo Monaco plays the estranged junkie prodigal son, Michael, with gentle charm and warm appeal. Ian Rooney gives a strong performance as the unforgiving and deeply hurt father whose lost faith in his only son. Liz McColl is exceptional as Michael's long suffering mother who is willing to give her son another chance. Devon Lang Wilton gives a subdued performance as Michael's girlfriend Tracey.

Thrilling Hostage Melodrama at High Speeds With Pineapple directed by Heath Miller and written by Adam Hadley, is an hilarious, fast-paced action thriller with fruit, guns and two female hostage takers preparing to kidnap someone.

This is a brilliant take on the Quentin Tarantino films but it's done with a feminine touch. Sheridan Harbridge is superb as the overly excited and eager to please kidnapper-in-training, Gills, whose short term memory creates havoc for her partner in crime and brings on the laughs. Robynne Kelly needs to give her character Junie, more punch and vigour yet her cool as a cucumber approach is an apt contrast to Gill's impromptu displays of lunacy.

Bury Your Goldfish directed by Jonno Katz and written by Michelle Wallace, is a visually beguiling display of hand painted cardboard props accompanying a delightful monologue.

This is a family friendly theatre performance where the colourful props, designed by Justin Caleo, represent physical, emotional and funny elements from the monologue in story-telling and re-enacting events. Evie Katz narrates the entire play, while Emelia Symington Fedy and Nicola Gunn portray the fish Itchy and Scratchy respectively. A highly imaginative and inventive play that suits the short form but may become tiresome if stretched to a full production of two hours.

Linh in Melbourne - Greek Precinct

Going Grecian by Linh

Melbourne has the largest population of Greeks outside of Greece, yet its precinct in the CBD seems peculiarly small. I was spoilt for choice in the bustling Greek Precinct, walking past the numerous Greek cafe's, restaurants and shops along Lonsdale Street.

I decided on something sugary to satisfy my sweet tooth and chose 'Cafe Medallion', a modest sized restaurant with alfresco dining. All cakes, pastries and hot food were authentically Greek and homemade at an affordable price.

Friendly staff explained what the various sweets contained and the sight of such delectable delicacies caused me to salivate.

The cabinets were filled with traditional Greek sweets including Baklava – spiced almond and filo slice covered in honey, Kataifi – shredded filo and walnut roll soaked in honey and spices, Galatobouriko – egg custard baked in filo with lemon syrup, Kourambiethes – shortbread covered in icing sugar and Amigdalota – almond biscuits.

After much indecision, I settled for Karioka - chocolate slice with walnuts and Ekme - pastry layered with custard and syrup (the Greek equivalent of Vanilla Slice).

One couldn't leave without learning a few Greek words and phrases, so I picked up "Kali Orexi" which is Greek for healthy/good appetite or 'Bon Appetit'!

Linh in Melbourne - Sappho Unravelling; theatre review

CLASSICISTIC: Jane Montgomery Griffiths wrote and performed the solo stage production Sappho Unravelling. Image:www.storkhotel.com/sappho.htm

Classical Studies lecturer and award winning actress Jane Montgomery Griffiths has written and performed a play which attempts to 'fill in the gaps' of the life and works from the little known Greek lyric poet Sappho.

Sappho lived in the 7th Century BC in Mytilene, on the Greek island of Lesbos, where women had more freedom, and she was probably married with a daughter named Kleis.

Her substantial body of poetry comprised of erotic love poems, religious paeans and celebratory wedding songs. Much of her work was destroyed in the burning of the Library of Alexandria, with only a few fragments surviving the blaze.

Ancient writers, philosophers and poets have praised her prolific work as genius yet condemned her homosexual lifestyle. Her poems have inspired many modern writers, poets and performers who regard her as one of the most important and influential contributors to the arts and literature.

Fragments of Sappho by Linh

Sappho Unravelling is a brilliant and insightful one-woman production with Jane Montgomery Griffiths giving an astounding performance not only as the Greek poet Sappho, but also as the lover Sappho calls Atthis and Sappho's daughter Kleis.

Jane gives an apt narrative presentation where she not only reflects on the way past writers and philosophers have regarded Sappho, but is equally adept at reflecting on Sappho's love affairs, particularly with Atthis.

Upon a simplistic and minimalistic stage, Jane provides the audience with dialogue punctuated with lines from Sappho's poems, and has the charisma to hold the audience's attention for two hours.

Jane's portrayal of the irrepressible Sappho through voice, movement and music, brings you a clearer understanding of what Sappho was like, and how she lived her life through poetry as they were about love, passion and eroticism.

Sappho is dressed in a simple, black dress, and to switch characters, Jane wears a blue raincoat for Atthis. Jane is remarkably convincing as she glides effortlessly from one character to another and she connects their dialogues on an emotional and intellectual level.

Jane shows every side and emotion of Sappho but Atthis is equally compelling as a lover whose departure brings Sappho to a maddening struggle of emotion, which brings the play to it's climax.

Jane's performance deftly moves the play's tone from humour to heartwrenching and from anguish to hope. Music from David Chesworth's 'Badland Suite' effectively underscores Sappho's desires, intentions and her will to love and be loved.
The lighting from last minute fill-in light technician, Kei, casts mysterious shadows around Sappho, perhaps signifying how very little is known about the real Sappho during her life and after her death.

Director Alex Pinder's uncomplicated direction of Sappho Unravelling keeps the focus on Sappho yet magnifies Jane's magnetism and elan in delivering a dramatically charged performance.

Sappho Unravelling is the final production for the Stork Hotel, as the venue is set for demolition after 2007. Producers Paul and Helen Madden are finalising plans to establish a new theatre venue in 2008.

Linh in Melbourne - Melbourne Aquarium

AQUATIC FUN: Plenty to see and explore in the Southern Hemisphere's largest aquarium exhibition, the Melbourne Aquarium.
Image: Linh - www.linh.chameleon.blogspot.com


Marine Marvels by Linh

The Melbourne Aquarium is one of the most spectacular tourist exhibition I have seen.
The majestic marine life immersed in massive tanks and swimming freely as if in their own natural habitat, is awe-inspiring and mesmerising.

There are all shapes, sizes, species and colours of various fish, mammals and amphibians you could imagine and all on display for your viewing pleasure.

If you're brave enough you could swim with sharks, be photographed with your head inside a life size shark jaw, or relax while you watch the animals being fed.

For those in search of a souvenir to remind them of their underwater adventures, the Aquarium Shop is an ideal stopover.

All animals are well treated, well fed and staff at the Melbourne Aquarium advocate the importance of preserving and protecting all species of marine life.

Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

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Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

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Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

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Linh in Melbourne - Mouthwatering Melbourne; Ume Hana

APPETISING ASIAN: Ume Hana Restaurant and Cafe on Elizabeth Street.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

Yummalicious Ume Hana by Linh

Ume Hana restaurant and cafe on Elizabeth Street serves up a sumptuous feast of Japanese and Korean delicacies and divine dishes for meat lovers and vegetarians.

There are the usual sushi, nori and californian rolls and miso soup, but also some other gastronomic goodies.

A modest sized restaurant and cafe, Ume Hana is decorated with beautifully hand painted fans of all colours, shapes and sizes which hang on the walls.

The food prices are affordable and served in generously large portions.

With friendly staff and excellent customer service, you can relax while watching television (there are two large screen televisions which are wall-mounted) as your meal and drinks are served with a smile.

Having savoured the delightfully scrumptious 'Yakitori Don', number 44 on the menu, I would definitely be heading back for more in the near future.

HHHMMMM: What's on the menu for a carnivorous chameleon?
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

YAKITORI DON: Chicken and vegetables skewered, steamed rice and salad.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

Linh in Melbourne; The Madwoman of Chaillot - theatre review

JOIE DE VIVRE: Magda Szubanski as Countess Aurelia and Julie Forsyth as Mademoiselle Gabrielle in a scene from The Madwoman of Chaillot.
Image: Jeff Busby.


French playwright Jean Giraudoux was highly optimistic at the time of writing The Madwoman of Chaillot, despite the Nazi occupation of France. Giraudoux hoped his play would be a reminder to the French public of what needed to be preserved in their culture. He intended to stage The Madwoman of Chaillot during the reconstruction days in France after the war but he never saw a performance.
He died of acute uraemia, a type of blood poisoning caused by kidney failure, at the age of sixty one.


Fancifully French by Linh

The Melbourne Theatre Company presents The Madwoman of Chaillot a French play of fantastical proportions at the Arts Centre's Playhouse Theatre.

The story follows the attempts of a Cafe owner to stop greedy oil-hungry capitalists from digging beneath the streets of Paris to line their own pockets without consulting the locals.

Director Simon Phillips manages to re-create the ambience of Parisian life and allows all the charming characters to swirl and move freely throughout their scenes. The opening act, where a waiter serves, a flower seller wanders about and a street performer juggles balls and throws batons, is a wonderful scene of vibrancy and humanity.

Comedienne extraordinaire Magda Szubanski plays the owner of Cafe Chez Francis in Chaillot, and brings believability and assuredness to Countess Aurelia whose eccentric personality earns her the endearing title of Madwoman. Magda Szubanski is in her element as she weaves the wit and wisdom of the play's dialogue with her comedic flair, adding a few moments of spontaneous fun to her role.

Another crowd pleasing performance comes courtesy of Mitchell Butel as the Ragpicker and he also plays the Broker.
Mitchell Butel brings enough arrogance and business smarts to make the Broker a delight even if his character is lacking substance. His portrayal as the Ragpicker begins as a menacing opposition to Countess Aurelia, until he becomes her ally. Mitchell gives an hilarious and enthralling performance as the Ragpicker pretending to be the President in the mock trial scene.

There seems to be four Madwomen in the play, with another three leading ladies of the theatre. Kerry Walker, Julie Forsyth and Sue Ingleton also provide sterling support in double roles.

Kerry Walker is brilliant as the no-nonsense Madame Josephine whose attention to detail earns her respect among her peers. Kerry Walker also plays the Baron, who agrees to the oil digging scheme with great caution.

Julie Forsyth plays the scheming American Prospector to great effect and her portrayal of the dotty and ditzy Mademoiselle Gabrielle is irresistibly funny and captivating.

Sue Ingleton shines as the easily influenced President of France who is always in search of progressing and economically advancing France in the interests of the people as well as himself. Sue is also entertaining as the argumentative and self-indulgent Madame Constance whose imaginary dog, Dickie, is as real to her as Mademoiselle Gabrielle's imaginary friends.

Other notable performances include Melinda Butel as the wholesome and lovely Irma; Sam Hryckow as the deaf/mute juggler is sensational despite only uttering one line in the entire play; Alex Menglet is nicely cast as the Sergeant and Sewerman; Stephen Phillips is a dashing and handsome Pierre who steals the scene even when he's playing dead.

With the star power of Magda Szubanski in the title role, the play was expected to pull more audience numbers as well as plenty of laughs.

However,the twilight performance was riddled with mishaps from the beginning and continued throughout Acts one and two.

Following technical difficulties which delayed the opening for half an hour, there were missed cues, tripping over props, giggling out of character and messed up lines.

All credit to the cast and crew, as they overcame the awkward situations with clever ad-libbing, well-timed quips and excellent improvisations to keep the play on track.

The Madwoman of Chaillot is a highly whimsical comedic fantasy only Giraudoux can conjure, with overly exaggerated situations and beautiful flowing gowns, colourful characters and witty dialogue. Perhaps made even more enjoyable as the cast made the most of unexpected challenges live theatre performance create.

Linh in Melbourne ; Hotel Heaven - part two

ARRIVAL: Finally, I can unpack some of my luggage.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

PLUSH TOUCH: An adorable plush toy penguin hangs from the corner adding playfulness to the room.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com



Playful Penguin Room by Linh

I immediately loved my hotel room.
Apparently every room in The Stork Hotel has a theme such as Foster's Lager or Ned Kelly, and mine is Little Penguins. All themes in the rooms are related to the history, arts, culture, tourism or environment of Victoria.

It instantly brought to mind the various artistic and literature connections of penguins. For example, Penguin publishers of classic works from plays to novels or The Flying Penguin Productions which is a South Australian creative theatre production company. Also the Adelaide Angry Penguin blog or the villainous Penguin from the television series and movie Batman.

It's a joy to be sharing a room with a unique symbol of artistic greatness and eternal cuteness.

PHOTOGENIC ART: Penguins are a tourist attraction and threatened species due to global warming.

HANGING AROUND: Exploring the room from all angles.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

THIRSTY: Quenching my thirst............
.........Anybody for milk?
Images: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com


LITERATE LIZARD: Interesting reading from The Stork Hotel Directory booklet.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com

Linh in Melbourne ; Hotel Heaven - part one

HISTORIC HOTEL: The Stork Hotel has links with Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang, opened in 1855 and shuts its doors at the end of 2007.
Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com


Stoked With Stork by Linh

I'm finally in the boutique pleasure of The Stork Hotel on Elizabeth Street.
I particularly love the Stork perched upon the roof as if welcoming all guests to its humble abode.

I chose The Stork Hotel for its proximity to the CBD, affordable accommodation prices and live entertainment - particularly theatre productions.

Helen and Paul Madden run The Stork Hotel enabling guests to enjoy their hospitality as a publican as well as a theatre venue.

Theatre producer Helen Madden has worked tirelessly to bring audiences and hotel guests extraordinarily obscure yet brilliant theatre in an intimate setting. Throughout 2007, Helen has staged classical works and rarely performed productions such as Homer's The Odyssey, Homer's Iliad, and various other pieces from French playwright Albert Camus and currently playing is a one-woman production about the Greek poet Sappho. All the productions feature familiar Australian performers from television, theatre, radio and film such as Helen Morse, Richard Piper and Kate Kendall.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and the end is nigh for The Stork Hotel. After thirteen years, the lease is up and the Stork must fly away in search of greener pastures at the end of this year. In it's place would likely be a shopping centre or swish eateries.

However, Helen and Paul will still be around and will continue presenting more theatre in the near future somewhere in Melbourne, and you can bet I'll be there.

Image: Linh - www.linh-chameleon.blogspot.com