Lifestyle

“With all the terrible stuff that’s been happening in London and around the world, isn’t it great we can get together and enjoy some good food, drink and music in this environment?” Can’t argue with that, Jayson.

A new Aussie play is about to split London down the middle. Conor McGlone got down to the Etcetera Theatre in Camden for a sneak preview to see what the fuss was all about.

The rain threatened all day but in true Southern Hemisphere style it didn’t fall or dampen the spirits of a crowd that came to chill, dance and listen to some of the best tunes our Aussie and New Zealand homelands have to offer.

Before he takes to the Homelanz stage on Saturday, London based Kiwi musician Jayson Norris lets Australian Times know just how excited he is to be playing one of the biggest gigs of his life.

COUNTING DOWN TO HOMELANZ: The first ever Homelanz festival, featuring at Boston Manor Park this Saturday, is set to be one of the biggest Antipodean festivals to hit London. But it's more than just the music.

Headlining one of the biggest Antipodean line-ups to ever grace the fields of London, Sneaky Sound System know they have their work cut out for them at Homelanz this weekend.

MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND: The Aussie answer to Justin Bieber; the Middle East mystery and what's with our festivals at the moment?

COUNTDOWN TO HOMELANZ: There’s just a week and a half to go until London’s Homelanz festival and we’re celebrating the fact with an awesome little interview with one of the stars, Kiwi hip hop sensation Ladi6.

London has some of the best restaurants in the UK and their list of famous, top-Aussie eateries is just as impressive. So if you’re after Aussie ribs from Down Under or an Outback steak, look no further than here.

When adventure seeking comic Lawrence Leung landed at London’s Soho Theatre, Leigh Johnston was there to find out what makes him so interested in jetpacks.

MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND: Good news for Bon Scott and Michael Hutchence look-a-likes; farewell to Ms Winehouse and Cadel Evans - we salute you.

COUNTING DOWN TO HOMELANZ: It’s only a bit over two weeks until the Homelanz festival but we can’t wait that long. We've been checking out all the Antipodean acts in readiness.

He’s been hailed as Australia's hottest musical comedy genius. A bloke who is ready to strap on the leather, crank up the metal, and metaphorically smash your face in with a plastic beer cup.

Aussie comedian Asher Treleaven describes his new show Matador, as a "socially responsible comedy with cock jokes". But he won’t hold back when he takes to London stages this week and bluntly asks the question: why are Australians a little bit racist?

MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND: We've got the trick to tricking about festivals; we also are some serious trend-setters and we're getting behind orchestral beauty.

The Aussies who brought the art of genital origami to the world are back! Puppetry of the Penis returns to the UK for an eye-opening and incredible four month tour.

Darren Hayes has just announced a UK tour later this year to coincide with the release of his new album Secret Codes And Battleships and will be performing at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire in October.

Wolfmother frontman Andrew Stockdale has been fined over a drunken sit-in at a Brisbane club that saw him thrown in the slammer.

MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND: That pint size tornado Lady Gaga puts Oz in a spin, Triple J looks to the next gen and the Annandale needs a helping hand.

COUNTING DOWN TO HOMELANZ: Hip Hip Hooray! Sneaky Sound System are leading an awesome bunch of Antipodean artists to London next month for the first ever Homelanz festival. Get excited and get it in your diaries.

Lovable funny man Jimeoin is returning to the UK this summer with a very busy touring schedule. He was kind enough to give Lesley Slade a few minutes of his time.

A murder mystery, rigged boxing match, a foreign Private Eye, voices from beyond the grave and some rollicking good bluegrass tunes. What more could Aussie comedy trio The Suitcase Royale have packed into their show at the Soho Theatre last week?

Two years ago Aussie comedian Sam Simmons had a bad day. A really bad day. It prompted him to write and the result is the award-winning and critically acclaimed one-man comedy phenomenon, Fail, he’s bringing to London for the first time.

Going to Bogan Bingo is like injecting a massive dose of occa into a very London way of life. Plus it seemed to exemplify my own inner bogan deep down and made me realise how I actually love the bogan-ness that is Australia.

MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND: Chisel get new age, Chris Lilley causes a bit more controversy with his S.mouse character, we say adieu to Video Hits and the number one Aussie album of all time is announced!

A Current Affair devoted a whole show to pop diva Lady Gaga, who answered questions from and performed for a live studio audience.

The John Butler Trio were back in London on Wednesday night, and played to a packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire. It was a humid and rainy night, but the crowd was charged as the trio rocked out in their usual friendly and relaxed way.

Do we really have to wait until 2013 for our next instalment of Glastonbury? Fear not. Carolyn Mitchell takes us through this year's epic and whets the appetite for the next biggest festival on earth.

Jimmy Barnes @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 2 July | The beer flowed and flew as Barnesy led the faithful through 21 glorious Aussie anthems.

The Aussie Pink Floyd Show are filming a special show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on 17 July and we are giving away 100 pairs of free tickets.

It seems everyone is starting to take notice of new Aussie band, Stonefield. Composed of four young sisters from country Victoria, the girls are slowly taking over the world, beginning with Glastonbury last month.

MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND: From curing those post Glasto blues to the bestest Aussie albums ever, MFTM has it all. Oh, want a slice of Meatloaf for the AFL Grand Final? How about bringing Mr Paul Kelly to your door? Enjoy!

Dead Letter Circus @ 02 Academy Bristol, June 29: It was a beautiful thing to witness, these fellow Aussies rocking this corner of the globe with such sincerity.

Summer is always a busy time for Aussie music in London. And that means our resident music editor, Paul Judge, is kept even busier. He's seen some stunning Aussie acts recently from Tame Impala and Ash Grunwald. Check out his reviews.