Back to The 80s

Written by Neil Gooding. By arrangement with David Spicer Productions. Additional material by Stuart Smith. Revised orchestrations and arrangements by Brett Foster. Directors: Allysha Hodges, Leanne Broadley. Xavier Catholic College, Ballina. June 24 - 26, 2022

Xavier Catholic College’s Back to The 80s is a big, vibrant production, bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

It is exactly four years (give or take four days) since Xavier’s last production and it seems that, tired of the pandemic Holding Back the Years, the entire creative team have decided to get Footloose and Have the Time of Their Lives.

High production values and some wonderful stagecraft give life to a delightful narrative that is cleverly woven around an eclectic mix of some of the 80s biggest hits.

Crisp, uncluttered direction and choreography. A simple, yet effective, lighting plot that illuminates a clever, minimal set. Eye-catching costuming and a band, comprised mostly of 14 - 16 year-olds, who very capably handle everything thrown at them. The Invisible Touch of the sound operators. All contribute to creating a visual and aural space for the performers to weave their Magic.

From the first downbeat enthusiasm and joy are evident on the faces of the performers. Those emotions quickly find their way to the faces and bodies of the audience. Toes start tapping and lips begin mouthing lyrics.

The ensemble sets the scene and we are introduced to the lead characters.

From here it just gets better as the cast lead us through a year in the lives of the graduating class of 1987 at Sharpes Beach High, culminating in the end-of-year Formal.

There are splendid performances from all of the leads, particularly Tasman Grew-Jones, Harrison Hoey, Yasmine Wentzel, Jessica Docherty, Alani Adamson, Landon Broadley, Miah Bradley and Isaiah Galloway.

For some in the creative team, Back to The 80s is their first foray into staging a production. What a fantastic way to begin a Creative Arts journey.

The future of Creative Arts in the Northern Rivers, and undoubtedly beyond, is in safe hands.

Well done everyone!

Graham Whittingham