Saturday Magazine

Are you sad to see Russell Street’s Greater Union cinema disappear? The daggy/retro multiplex is set to be demolished to make way for a new hotel. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle joins hosts Brett Sweeting and David Hunt for a discussion on the current trend for hotel make-overs in the CBD. The Windsor on Spring Street is preparing for a big renovation, while the Palace Theatre at the top end of Bourke Street is also counting down the days to its demise.

Later in the show, author of The Melbourne Book Maree Coote drops in for the Liberation Conversation. Were you impressed by “the blue lane”? Artist Adrian Doyle raised a few eyebrows when he painted Rutledge Lane completely blue, even covering the pavement and road. Maree also tells us about the latest edition of her book and the long love affair she’s enjoyed with her city.

Always a favourite, film critic Tara Judah wastes no time telling us all about the wonders she witnessed at Sydney’s recent Underground Film Festival. Tara also had some very high praise for Woody Allen’s new film Blue Jasmine, featuring a “mesmeric” performance from Cate Blanchett. Brett and David are then treated to a live performance from Anna Smyrk, fresh from her preparation for an apocalypse-inspired gig at Collingwood’s Grace Darling Hotel.

Also on this show:

• The Age Convention
• Beautfication of the City
• Myer’s fallen sales
• Stephen Schwartz
• Testimony – San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
• Sydney’s lack of character
• When You Go To Melbourne
• Dance Of Reality
• The Cannons
• Mood Indigo
• Salinger
• I Am So Excited
• The downfall of civilisation
• Barefoot Shuffle – Anna Smyrk