Back To The 80s!

Lawrence Polgar, President of the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company – who first went on stage in 1992 in Oliver – discusses the return of the show ‘Back To The 80s’ which first appeared here in the Burdekin, 20 years ago.  

“It’s exciting as it’s been 20 years since we first saw ‘Back To The 80s’ on stage here in the Burdekin. Some members even performed in the original show 20 years ago! The cast includes both senior and junior members from Townsville and the Burdekin area, many of whom have grown up through the Burdekin Singers,” an ecstatic Lawrence says.

“Over the years, they've come through our junior program and are now in our senior program. But it's also got a lot of new faces. We've got a lot of new local dancers that may not have a strength in singing, but actually have a strength in the arts. So we have a full dance cast as well.”

The production team includes local director, Pat Nuttall, and choreographers Stephanie Polgar, Jane Olson, and Mitchell Pierce, who have risen through the ranks.

“They have all been part of the Burdekin Singers for quite some time now. They’ve moved through the ranks, and now they're in charge of our choreographing. Then we have the makeup. We have the hair. Then we have got the backstage crew, who are also volunteers. They come and give up their time to make this dream come alive and bring ‘Back To The 80s’ back to the Burdekin stage. It’s thrilling to be part of,” Lawrence grins.

The Burdekin Singers and their production team are aiming to make everything different this time, by changing a number of things without losing the show’s original appeal.

“This time around the show includes more colour, different singing styles, and revamped dance routines, with choreographers adding their own unique touches. One of our key points with this show is to do it differently from how we did the first time around. For example, some songs are broken down, so it’s not just one individual singing but multiple people involved. We've also changed a lot of the dance routines. Having a team of choreographers who’ve come through Burdekin Singers, now they’re adding their own flavour to the routines,” Lawrence delights.

The show’s original writer and creator, and Burdekin native, Neil Gooding, will also visit rehearsals to provide input and support, after having successfully written, produced, and directed international shows, including on Broadway in New York.

“Neil grew up in the Burdekin Singers, so reaching out to him and asking for an opportunity to do Back To The 80s again, he took it with two hands. Having him in town shows people that there are opportunities for them outside of just being on stage in a local theatre company. There are opportunities to be a creative writer, director, or to produce shows around the world or within Australia,” Lawrence states.

Of course, none of this is possible without the local community’s support, which is crucial for the non-profit organisation's success.

“We can't do shows like this without community support. We get a lot of support from the local council, but also businesses here in the Burdekin, whether it's financial, their time, or goodwill. We are always grateful. Without their support, we're unable to give these kids and adults an opportunity to do what they love to do. But also, we're not able to give the show the level of artistic flair that we have without the support of the Burdekin community.

To book tickets for Back To The 80s, contact Burdekin Theatre on: (07) 4783 9880, email: burdekin.theatre@burdekin.qld.gov.au or visit the website at: https://www.burdekintheatre.com

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The Burdekin Singers cast ahead of their upcoming popular show, Back To The 80s. Photo: Supplied

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