TWiSK #348

Beyond the beach: Summer in St Kilda
Midsumma events heat up
Challenging new theatre (TIX to win)
Grant honours cricket veterans
Robbie Nyaguy wins countback for Council


Robbie Nyaguy wins countback

The ALP’s Robbie Nyaguy is set to become the Councillor replacing the Greens’ Katherine Copsey after a countback of votes cast in the previous council poll.
Robbie has 48 hours accept the vote and prove his eligibility before the election is official.
TWiSK contacted the councillor elect and will publish a ‘Meet Robbie’ story next week.
Drag Paint & Sip @ Espy Balcony Bar
Tuesday 17 January, from 6 pm
Paint Juicy bring you Drag Paint & Sip, hosted by Drag Queen Esther Rix.
Art materials supplied. $59
Tix
Daddy Developed A Pill @ Theatre Works Explosives Factory
Tuesday 17 January – Tuesday 24, 7.30 pm
Daddy Developed a Pill is a chaotic queer comedy set over one raucous night of deviance and debauchery. A line-up of sixteen psychotic characters portrayed by only three actors, .it’s Don’s Party meets Euphoria, meets an Apple keynote.
Come see how terrible gay people can be. $35/$30/$20
Tix 
Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman Street, St Kilda (behind the Thrifty-Link)
Venue is not wheelchair accessible

Babylon @ Astor
Tuesday 17 January, 7.30 pm (single feature)
A three-hour tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.
With Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Jean Smart.
Tix
Guided tour @ Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve
Wednesday 18 January, 1.30 pm – 2.30pm
Enjoy a guided walk with the Yalukit Willam Nature Association (YWNA) and learn about this pioneering project where the Elsternwick Park Golf Course has been converted into a magnificent environmental park.
All ages welcome. Free
Sign Up 
558 New St, Brighton
Daniel Howell @ Palais
Wednesday 18 January
YouTube comedian Daniel Howell is stressed, depressingly dressed and on a quest to live his best life before the inevitable apocalypse arrives. $89
Tix 
Qoya Wednesdays @ Jibasso (upstairs at African Drumming)
Wednesdays
Are you ready to get back into your body and out of your head? Come & try Qoya for free.
Qoya is a free dance embodiment class for women regardless of gender assigned at birth. You will remember that your essence is Wise, Wild and Free while you experience the joy of moving your body just for the sake of moving it.
Sign up for your free class at www.sunrangesqoya.com.au
252 St Kilda Rd

Fiddler On The Roof in Woodstock ’69 style @ Memo
Thursday 19 January, 7 pm
After the triumphant sold-out debut at JIFF, this concert celebrates the songs of Fiddler but as if on the stage of 1969 Woodstock.
Starring Anita Lester, Rita Satch, Jude Perl, Carl Panuzzo, Simon Starr, Matan Franco and more.
TWiSK reckons this will be amazing. $55/$35
Tix 
Promiscuous / Cities @ Theatre Works
Thursday 19 January – Tuesday 24 January, 7.30 (+ Sat 2 pm)
A symphony of a single night in San Francisco – utopian dream destination of queers and misfits. $35/$30/$20
Tix 
14 Acland Street

“Let’s Go Crazy” Andrew De Silva’s Dedication to Prince @ Memo
Friday 20 January, 7 pm
Andrew De Silva – multi-platinum ARIA award winner – presents a funk-filled musical journey through the life of Prince. $50/$45
Tix
Cxxntry Melbourne @ Prince
Friday 20 January, 9 pm
Head down the Honky Tonk Highway and grab your spot in the dance line right here in St Kilda. Never line danced before? There will be teachers to help you learn. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a few drinks, make a few friends and learn how to dance. $25
Tix
Meet The Artists > Michael Kluge @ Linden
Saturday 21 January, 2 pm – 3 pm
Join an intimate conversation with local photographer Michael Kluge. Hear more about Kluge’s creative process for Left Behind, as he shares on creating photographs as an act of storytelling, remembrance and grief.
Info
26 Acland Street

Learning to Fly – A Celebration of Tom Petty @ Memo
Saturday 21 January, 7 pm
Featuring Nick Barker, Rebecca Barnard, Sal Kimber, Rob Craw. $57/$35
Tix

The Badloves with King Canyon @ Espy Gershwin Room
Saturday 21 January, 5 pm
The Badloves are back on the road for summer. $40
Tix

Gospel Sundays summer pop-up bar @ Linden
Sundays until 5 February, 12.30 pm – 3 pm
Whiskey, music and fresh air in the garden of Linden.
Sunday 22 January, 1.30 pm to 2.10 pm
Tamara and Dreams
Sunday 29 January, 1.30 pm to 2.10 pm
Lemon Daze
Sunday 5 February, 1.30 pm to 2.10 pm
The Gas Babies
Info

Pop choir @ Memo
Sunday 22 January, 2.30 pm
Sharon Stokes and Darryl John Moulton bringing Pop Choir At The Bar for a special afternoon event where you are part of the show.
They’ll will teach you a few simple harmonies, while you sip on some drinks and sing your heart out to a classic well – known pop song.
The result will be recorded by professional filmmakers who will create an amazing video you can treasure forever. $40
Tix

CJ Commerford & The Supertones @ Espy Basement
Sunday 22 January, 6 pm
“The Mornington Peninsula’s CJ Commerford & The Supertones have the power to ease your mind, sweeping you back to the golden era of the 70s soul.” Free
Info
Marty Mone @ Prince
Sunday 22 January, 7 pm
He’s Irish. He likes trucks. $63
Tix

Next week: midsumma and more

midsumma @ Pride
Until 12 February
midsumma at Pride has a diverse program that spans a piano bar, fitness and discussion. There’s also multiple exhibitions (see below) to cruise through while you are there.
See the full Pride midsumma program 

Highlights of Pride midsumma
Piano Bar @ Pride Centre midsumma
27 to 29 January & 3 to 4February, 10pm to 1am // 2 February, 9pm to 12am
Andy Pobjoy and the team from Piano Bar present nights of drag fabulousness, singalongs, extra special guests, and your favourite songs by request. $15/$10
Tix
Spill the Tea @ Pride Centre midsumma
29 Sunday January, 1pm to 5pm
Spill The Tea is an alcohol-free environment with a complimentary afternoon tea!
Free event with no registration required.

Marry Me A Little @ Pride Centre midsumma
24 to 29 January, 7.30 pm (plus 1pm matinee on January 28)
The Australian same-sex premiere of Sondheim’s Off-Broadway review. Two single men spend a Saturday night alone in their apartments, reminiscing and fantasising about relationships to cope with their loneliness. A bittersweet tale of love and survival, that brings new life to songs by Stephen Sondheim. Performed by Adrian Barilà (he/him) & Adam Canny (he/him). $35 / $25
Tix
Cheers, Queers! @ Pride Centre midsumma
27 to 29 January, 9 pm & 3 February, 7.30pm
The very best comics from Melbourne’s thriving queer comedy scene are teaming up together for a fabulous new night of comedy: Cheers, Queers! Featuring a different line-up of stand-up comedy magic each night. $30/$28
Tix 
A Worthy Rival @ Pride Centre midsumma
4 Saturday February, 7.30pm
Demetra Giannakopoulos presents her live radio play A Worthy Rival for one night only.
Performed by three actors with an evocative soundscape, the play is set in the locker room of a grand slam final where two female tennis players are preparing for the defining match of their careers. $25 / $21
Tix 
Queens of the Pub @ Pride Gallery
Tuesday 22 January – 12 February, Pride Gallery
An ode to the punks and powerful women of St Kilda
This series of striking photographs depict the characters and survivors who have helped create the places where we gather and celebrate today.
Info
The Glad Project @ Pride Gallery
Tuesday 22 January – 12 February
‘The GLAD project’ acknowledges ‘Our GLAD’, the legendary musical theatre singer Gladys Moncrieff, her popularity and her ‘long term companion’ of 46 years Elsie Wilson.
Tix

Exploring life under the sea @ Point Ormond with EcoCentre
Tuesday 24 January, 10 am – 12 noon
Discover marine life and take a deeper look of undersea life in shallow waters.
Explore sea grass and fishes living in the shallow waters of Point Ormond.
Sign Up 
29A Ormond Esplanade, Elwood
James Reyne: ‘Songs Of Beaches’ National Tour @ Prince
Wednesday 25 January, 8 pm
Public Holiday Eve with Special Guest ‘Nick Barker’ in band format. $65
Tix
We-Akon Dilinja dawns ceremony @ Alfred Square
Thursday 26 January, 5.45 am
The Boonwurrung People, in partnership with Council, invite everyone to attend the We-Akon Dilinja (Mourning Reflection) dawn ceremony.
Now in its fourth year, this event is supported by the National Australia Day Council, honours the past and looks to the future.
No bookings required – free
More info 
The MILF and Mistress @ Theatre Works Explosive Factory
27 January to 4 February, Monday – Saturday 8pm, Sat 2 pm (4 Feb only)
The MILF and Mistress tells the tale of Ali Henderson, an intelligent, middle-aged woman who seems to be living the lesbian dream. 
She apparently “has it all”… but is it enough?
A new Australian work by multi-award winning playwright and actor Jane Montgomery Griffiths,
performed by renowned actor and Green Room Award Winner Jennifer Vuletic.
Featuring real-life Mistresses from the Melbourne community, a unique design that safely brings audiences right into the action, and a live DJ and dancing after each performance.
Suitable for ages 18+, Nudity, Dominance + Submission scenes, Sexual References $35/$30
www.theatreworks.org.au
67 Inkerman St, St Kilda (enter via rear of Thrifty-Link Hardware)
This venue has no wheelchair access 🙂
Win a double pass to The MILF and Mistress
We have a double pass for Saturday 28 January 8 pm to give away to a TWiSK reader.
No trick questions, just email your interest before midnight Monday 16 January.
The winner will be chosen at random.
Email now 
Wittenoom @ Red Stitch
Previews 26 – 31 January, Season 1 – 19 February
A new play developed through Red Stitch’s INK program.
You’ll meet Dot and Pearl who live in Wittenoom; the blue asbestos mining town in WA’s Pilbara.
Wittenoom follows their personal story, filled with humour, sorrow and the friends they make along the way. The writing expertly weaves their journey into the frame of the Wittenoom tragedy. Previews $28, season $20 – $69
Tix
Tom Segura @ Palais
Friday 27 January – Saturday 28 January, two shows per night
Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is best known for his Netflix specials. $89
Tix 
GlamourPussy & The Hip Replacements @ Alex Theatre
Sunday 29 January, 3 pm
Celebrate Generation Gorgeous with the Blue Rinse Princess.
Young at heart – slightly older in other places, GlamourPussy presents a joyful cabaret of glamour & decay.
Dress code: Mutton dressed as glam. $39/$35
Rumour has it that the GlamGal will be performing monthly until mid year TBC
Tix
135 Fitzroy St
Port Phillip Darts League Summer Comp @ St Kilda Sports Club
Thursdays 2 February – 30 March 7 pm, finals played 6 April
Hit a bullseye or two. $5 entry
Info
66 Fitzroy St
Pride March
Sunday 5 February
Record Fair @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 12 February, 10 am – 3 pm free entry
There will be sealed, hot off the press new vinyl releases as well as a wide range of carefully curated, quality vintage vinyl and CDs.
66 Fitzroy St
St Kilda Festival returns to big day format @ Sunday 19 February
First Peoples First @ Saturday 18 February
Headliners announced
Christine Anu (Saturday)
Hoodoo Gurus
Confidence Man
www.stkildafestival.com.au
Not Finished With You Yet @ Alex
World Premier in March
Colorful local Dick Gross has written another musical and workshopped it during COVID with some real deal musical theatre types – and now it’s ready for a stunning premier in March.
Of course, it’s a little risqué and very Dickie Gross.
Watch Dick’s short pitch on Facebook 
Environmental Leaders Program @ City of Port Phillip
Council is offering a free 10-week environmental leadership course to build the skills needed to lead an environmental project.
Applications for the March 2023 course are now open. Places are strictly limited to 30, so first in best dressed.
Read more about the Course and application process
Helmut Newton: In Focus is closing soon @ Jew Mu
Ends Sunday 29 January
Hurry last days. $34
Tix
Short Course: We Are What We Remember @ JewMu by The Melton School
Four Wednesdays from 8 February, 6 pm — 7.30pm
The Melton School presents a short course designed for adult learners delivered by leading educator Ricki Mainzer.
Discover the meaning of memory and how it has impacted the Jewish experience. Travel from the Golden Age of Jewry in Spain to the tales of the Polish shtetls, up to the modern Israel. $140
Register
Ron Harbout, Minister Matt Keogh, Club President Paul Ryan and Josh Burns MHR at the St Kilda Cricket Club rooms.

A club room with a different view @ St Kilda Cricket Club

Grant helps honour players service
When an excited member of local MP Josh Burns’ staff called about an important local announcement with Matt Keogh, the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs, TWiSK was surprised, Federal Ministerial announcements are not our usual gig.
The ‘embargoed’ media release explained that a modest grant for an honour board had been bestowed on the St Kilda Cricket Club.
TWiSK was even more intrigued intrigued.
Always arrive early
The event was set for 3.30 pm but the location was no more specific than the cricket club rooms at the Junction.
So TWiSK arrived early to look around.
New faces of cricket
On arrival, The Junction Oval was buzzing on a perfect sunny summer day, packed with teenagers and parents taking group photos. But no politicians.
Maybe TWiSK had got the time wrong?
Luckily, it was a different event, with teenage women cricketers in their Blues receiving some sort of presentation.
The vibe was all smiles and enthusiasm with a multicultural flavour.
But still no MP and no Minister – but a text arrives saying they are running late – typical!
Don’t assume anything
Undeterred, and even more curious, TWiSK ventured into the impressive Cricket Victoria complex and asked at reception for directions to the event.
‘If is for the St Kilda Club it will be over near the stands,’ the receptionist said pointing vaguely at the historic wooden stands nearby. Naively, TWiSK imagined the club rooms would have a view of the field …
A door opens to a windowless room
After 30 minutes of looking forlornly for a sign that said club rooms, the political ‘caravan’ arrived complete with local MP, friendly Federal Minister and a modest entourage.
From a rear door, located down a lane behind the toilet block, the Club President appeared and the journey back in time began.
Proudly now the William ‘Bill’ Newton VC Bar
Basic renovations to the club room have been taking place and in December the bar was named in honour of a former club player and Victoria Cross winner William ‘Bill’ Newton.
Bill was the only RAF member to receive the VC in WWII. He flew over 50 missions against a rampaging Japanese army in 1943.
And so the local story unfolds
Young Bill Newton attended both St Kilda Park Central School and Melbourne Grammar, excelling in sport. He played cricket for St Kilda and later Victoria. He’s said to have flown wearing a blue cricket cap. He was a flying instructor before flying light bombers in New Guinea in the crucial battles to repel  invading Japanese forces..
After being shot down and captured, he was beheaded in March 1943 and buried in New Guinea.
These walls can talk
The room may have no windows, but it walls offer a view into the history of club members and their cricketing and military service.
There’s already a WWI honour board listing the names of members who served in the so-called Great War.
And now fittingly, the federal grant ($3855) will enable the Club to honour the service of members in the Second World War – including Bill Newton and others.
But there are literally hundreds of stories on the walls in this room, including service uniforms, photos and other memorabilia.
But that would require a much longer innings than this story allows.
Tours in the future
Club officials Paul Ryan, Rod Jude and historian Ron Harbout have unearthed a rich vein of stories and are working with the local historical society on ways to spread the word.
TWiSK will let you know when you can check it out – it’s worth a look.Greg Day
Happy to chat anytime 0418 345 829
Content suggestions and community questions are always welcome.
gday@archives.gdaystkilda.com.au
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This Week in St Kilda respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

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