RocKwiZ is an Aussie institution. It’s been a part of our lives for nearly 20 years, in fits and starts on TV, but for many years as a touring franchise. It’s been one of those things I always meant to see but never quite got there, until the gang finally made their way to Darkinjung Country/Wyong this week.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but we got everything I loved about the TV show and more. When I arrived at The Art House Brian Nankervis was already encouraging people to sign up to play. Those who put down their names and a few wildcards with invitations under their seat made their way to the stage to battle it out in a stripped-back version of the show. The questions came thick and fast, along with a splash of karaoke and dancing. The best of the best then prepared to face off in the main event.
Watching the night unfold, I was reminded how much I love the original format. With more time to play than Foxtel allows, we could really get to know our contestants, experience the undeniable chemistry between Julia Zemiro and Brian, and appreciate the music from the superb RocKwiz orchestra and our talented celebrity guests. I don’t want to reveal them, because that would spoil the fun for anyone who happens to see the same line-up at their show. Because gee it’s exciting to hear those “Who Can It Be Now?” clues, then get that big reveal that a favourite star is joining you! I will say that there was something for everyone among the line-up: an emerging artist generating plenty of buzz, a more established talent who’s spent plenty of time abroad, and a bona fide Aussie legend. I’ll also add that I’ve covered every one of them here on this blog, so watching them perform together and solo, a mix of their originals and some choice covers was really something special. I appreciated that this longer format allows time for more music, the very thing that brought this show together.
A night out with the RocKwiZ crew is bloody good fun. We sang along to classic songs, we laughed (a lot!), and we marvelled at the talent on stage. It’s so beautiful to see this team in action, continuing to keep this program’s legacy alive whether it’s on TV or not. If like me you’ve been thinking you should see one of their shows, but never quite gotten there, just buy the tickets. You won’t regret it. You’ll get plenty of opportunities too, with plenty of shows left on the Never Mind the Buzzers tour:
19 October 2024 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 October 2024 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
23 October 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
24 October 2024 – The Pavilion Performing Arts, Dharawal Country/Sutherland (SOLD OUT)
25 October 2024 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Yuin Country/Nowra
26 October 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
29 October 2024 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
31 October 2024 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
5 November 2024 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
6 November 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg
7 November 2024 – The Events Centre, Kabi Kabi Country/Caloundra (SOLD OUT)
8 November 2024 – HOTA Theatre, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
9 November 2024 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Matinee)
9 November 2024 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Evening) (SOLD OUT)
10 November 2024 – Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
14 November 2024 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
15 November 2024 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
16 November 2024 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragal
17 November 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon (SOLD OUT)
20 November 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
21 November 2024 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
22 November 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
23 November 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
24 November 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 November 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury (SOLD OUT)
27 November 2024 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo
28 November 2024 – Ballarat Civic Hall, Ballaarat/Ballarat
29 November 2024 – Palais Theatre, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
30 November 2024 – Swan Hill Soundshell, Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, Tatti Tatti, Wadi Wadi and Barapa Barapa Country/Swan Hill
3 December 2024 – Chaffey Theatre, Naralte Country/Renmark
4 December 2024 – Northern Festival Centre, Nukunu Country/Port Pirie
5 December 2024 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM