What to laugh at
Comedian Em Rusciano is still angry but at least now she knows why. She is coming to Canberra on her national Outgrown tour to tell all. Ruscinao was given the surprise diagnostic trifecta of ADHD, Autism and (behind door number three) early menopause!
Any one of these revelations would rock most people to their core, but Em's always been a show off, so of course she had to win at diagnosis Yahtzee.
Once she picked herself up off the ground (it took one to two business working years) she set about exploring what all of this meant. She promises a multi-sensory exploration and examination of the beauty that can emerge after everything has been burned to the ground.
And of course elaborate costumes, novelty-sized props and an over the top all out musical comedy extravaganza. Outgrown is on at the Canberra Theatre on Saturday, August 17 at 8pm. See: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
What to stream
Who doesn't love a bit of scandal? On Netflix are two docuseries to satisfy your urge for something naughty. Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies And Scandal is a three-part series that explores the outrageous data hack of dating affair site Ashley Madison, where more than 37 million people's personal details were leaked onto the dark web.
Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam shows that the squeaky clean pop legends of The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC had a bad boy mogul (Lou Pearlman) shielding some dark secrets.
What to see
In Menopause the Musical, four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common - or do they? Apart from a black lace bra, there's memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more.
This musical parody set to classic tunes from the 1960s, '70s and '80s and has been seen by many women (and some brave men) for more than 20 years. It's on at the "B", Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre until August 17.
Audience advice: haze effects, flashing (non-strobe) lights, menopausal themes, and sexual references. Recommended for ages 15+. See: theq.net.au
What to eat
Kivotos Wine Bar, the first venue owned by host Anita Ling and chef George Giannoulis, feels more like a taverna. The food is simple, authentic Greek fare, designed to be shared and enjoyed in a casual environment.
Among the dishes you might try are keftedakia (pork and beef meatballs made with homemade tomato salsa and mint) and loukoumades with walnuts and honey. Kivotos Wine Bar is at 12/33 Mort Street, Braddon. See: kivotoswinebar.com.au
What to see AND hear
Silence & Rapture brings together composers and artists in a collaboration between the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company.
The music of Bach and Arvo Part traces a profound journey through three gardens at the heart of the Biblical narrative they both hold so close as dancers and countertenor Iestyn Davies help bring the experience to life. Llewellyn Hall, Saturday, August 17, 8pm. See: aco.com.au
