One of the staples of life for any music lover in the 1970s and 1980s (long before the Internet and DSP changed the landscape), the youth of Australia would tune in each Sunday night to watch 'Countdown' to find out who and what was hot in the music business.
Hosted by Australian music icon Ian 'Molly' Meldrum, 'Countdown' become ingrained in Australian music history with the antics of the bands who appeared on the show having created a folklore all of their own.Celebrating everything that was 'Countdown' is 'I Can't Believe It's Not Countdown – It's A Musical Comedy'.
Written and directed by Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men frontman), who first toured the production in 1998 (with the last performance in 2011), the show celebrates the music of the era (Skyhooks, Hush, Suzi Quatro, The Knack, Blondie, Uncanny X-Men, Mondo Rock, AC/DC and much more) while also highlighting some of the backstage shenanigans.
"From the fashion, the acts and Molly, there was always going to be great opportunity for humour, and the songs were the soundtrack to our lives from 1974 to 1987," Brian says.
"That was what inspired me about the project, but the further I got into it, I realised it was much more than that.
"'Countdown' was a significant part of Australia's culture and history. It generated the most successful period in Australian music history.
"I think this show is a visual feast that takes people back to those times. It's funny, it's nostalgic, and it's not only the soundtrack to a part of our lives, but the sounds of a brief period of Australian history."
Much like the original television show it's based on, Brian says the musical has grown over the years.
"The original show was informative, somewhat innovative and somewhat hilarious, especially when one views it in hindsight," he says.
"The show was constantly evolving, and the behind-the-scenes stuff has increased in latter productions. This is in part because the cast are so funny; I try to give them more to do besides singing.
"It's not just a balance of what 'Countdown' was, but a balance of what works best in theatre.
"I think we have it about right, but we will no doubt keep adding and subtracting stuff. That's part of the fun and keeps the show fresh."
Tickets are on sale. More information.
I Can't Believe It's Not Countdown – It's A Musical Comedy 2022 Tour Dates
Sat 16 Jul - Her Majesty's Theatre (Adelaide)Fri 22 Jul - QPAC Concert Hall (Brisbane)
Sat 23 Jul - QPAC Concert Hall (Brisbane)
Sat 6 Aug - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Sat 3 Dec - Palais Theatre (Melbourne)
