Famous 'Countdown' Musical To Return This Year: 'This Show Is A Visual Feast'

3 March 2021 | 12:32 pm | Staff Writer

"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.”

It's been a decade since it was last performed, but it has today been confirmed that I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown – It’s A Musical Comedy  - a light-hearted take on the iconic ABC live music series - will return for a select run of dates this year.

The musical - written and directed by frontman of '80s band Uncanny X-Men, Brian Mannix - first ran in 1998 before its final show in 2011 and featured music from the likes of Skyhooks, AC/DC, Blondie and Suzi Quatro, as well as insight to what went on behind the scenes. 

“From the fashion, the acts and [Countdown host Molly Meldrum], there was always going to be great opportunity for humour, and the songs were the soundtrack to our lives from 1974 to 1987," Mannix said.


“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.”

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I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown – It’s A Musical Comedy will kick off in Brisbane in July, followed by stops in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Tickets for all shows go on sale from 11am this Friday (5 March). For more details, click here.