If you’re sick of Netflix, Stan and HBO, we’ve got something to fill up your daily dosage of entertainment screen time.
While many healthy self-isolation tips don’t advocate for overloading your day with screen time, we’ll concede that making sure you’re entertained is just as necessary. Not just for your ideal escapism, but also for the financial sake of the many Australian artists struggling right now.
So, to help put a spin on your regular entertainment fix, we’ve sought out the best live and online entertainment from Australia that you can watch right now, or whenever you want, all in the comfort of your own home. From stand-up comedy to fabulous drag shows, animal antics and more.
Not only can you save the world by staying home, but you can also contribute to the struggling arts industry while keeping your mind sane. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Just don’t forget to tip those artists!
Image: Supplied
Perth Comedy Lounge
The Perth Comedy Lounge may be physically closed, but they are bringing professionally shot footage to Australia (and the world) for just $1! All the money raised will go to the comedians themselves and the Perth Comedy Lounge bar staff that have been affected by the loss of income due to the coronavirus. In this first Best of the West episode streamers will see an all-star Perth cast that includes Jon Pinder, Andrew Wolfe, Rory Lowe and Mickey J. Laugh your troubles away!
Photographed by Zan Wimberley. Image: Supplied
Biennale of Sydney
For nearly 50 years the Biennale of Sydney has presented some of the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in some of the most iconic venues across Sydney. But this year’s exhibition, titled NIRIN and meaning ‘edge’ in Wiradjuri, will be brought to the world digitally thanks to a partnership with Google. The exhibition is an artist and First Nations led biennale showcasing more than 700 artworks by 101 artists and collectives. This virtual spectacle will bring the exhibition and programs to life through live content, virtual walk-throughs, podcasts, interactive Q&As, curated tours and artist takeovers.
Image: Supplied
Stonewall Live
Stonewall Hotel is the place to be for Sydney’s LGBTQI community any time of the year. But with doors closed, they’ve had to reconfigure their entertainment options. Since you can no longer visit them, they’re bringing it to you live from the venue every Saturday night from 8pm! This Saturday 11 April, they’ll be chatting with Trevor Ashley live in the studio, and stickybeaking into Anthony Callea and husband Tim Campbell’s Melbourne home. And just because flights are grounded, that won’t stop them touring around the globe. Enjoy a trip to balmy Bali, a stopover in the UK with an Absolutely Fabulous star, and a final trip to the east and west coast of the USA. And guess what? You might even see a Minogue…
Photographed by FiledIMAGE. Sourced via Shutterstock
Taronga TV
Got some children to keep occupied? Well, Taronga Zoo may just have your answer! They’ve gone full digital, bringing their famous animals to the screen! Taronga Zoo has set up live camera streams in their popular exhibits, including Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants and don’t forget slippery seals! The animals may not be in the live-stream all the time, so while you’re waiting, check out all the regularly updated content, from keeper chats, animal shows and wacky antics.
Photographed by Andy Tam. Image via Shutterstock
Opera House: Our House To Yours
There’s no need to whip out that suit or fumble around with the bow-tie. For once you can watch opera, in your pyjamas! Sydney’s famed Opera House has gone digital during this coronavirus crisis, bringing a variety of live recordings and never-before-seen footage, as well as podcasts, articles, videos and more. We recommend tuning in this Sunday 12 April at 10am for a spectacular rendition of Handel’s Messiah, which will also be performed in Auslan!
Photographed by jeep2499. Image via Shutterstock
Koala Cams at Lone Pine
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland donated plenty of its resources during the recent bushfire crisis, and now they are bringing their cute and cuddly friends to all sorts of screens around Australia. That’s over 10 live streams of koala cuteness! But while their main focus is koalas, they have other adorable creatures being live streamed too including dingoes Jindy and Stirling, a host of eclectic reptiles and even birds.
Screenshot of live-stream
Tim at MONA
Tim is a rather special attraction at Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). In fact, it’s his back that draws all of the attention. A meticulous tattoo sprawls from his neck to his lower back, and it’s worth $250,000. The owner of the art is actually not Tim, but German art collector Rik Reinking. And guess what? The artwork is not complete until Tim dies. Now that’s quirky as hell! In the meantime, you can see Tim between 10am and 4:30pm daily (except when he’s off to the bathroom).
Can’t get enough of live streamed entertainment? Check out these five international theatrical performances that you can now live stream too!
Do you know of any Australian events that are now streaming online that we should add to our list? We’d love to hear from you! Contact the Hunter and Bligh editorial team at hello@hunterandbligh.com.au
