The 1960s was a decade that saw many talented Australian artists recognised in the United Kingdom, helping to debunk the somewhat patronising, colonial stereotype that was associated with Australia in those days.

The Seekers’ rise to fame was chronicled by singer Judith’s brother-in-law, Patrick Edgeworth and Graham Simpson, who had written The Judith Durham Story – Colours of my Life.  From this, the musical GEORGY GIRL was born.

GEORGY GIRL is a delightful show, succinctly written and tightly choreographed.  The singing is contagious and uplifting, the harmonies perfect and the actors are all uniquely talented.  They could not have chosen a better quartet to represent The Seekers, their performances flawless.  The original band members, Judith Durham , Athol Guy , Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley, who appeared for the curtain call to rapturous applause on opening night, must feel quite proud to be a part of this production.

The Seekers rise to stardom was amazingly swift.  In 1962, Judith, who began as a jazz singer, met the original Seekers at age nineteen and sat in with them at Melbourne’s South Yarra Treble Clef coffee lounge.  In 1964, they set sail for the UK, where they were already assigned to an agent and appeared two days later on the BBC’s Tonight Show.   Within six weeks, they were the special attraction on Sunday Night At The London Palladium.

Tom Springfield, Dusty’s brother, wrote I’ll Never Find Another You for them, which they recorded at Abbey Road studios, only six months after their arrival.  The song reached No. 1 in the UK charts and around the world.  Springfield continued to write ongoing hits for them.  The Seekers were the first Australian band to crack the American charts and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show.  Sadly, the band were only receiving about two percent of the royalties in their early days.  In 1965, they were named the highest selling recording artists, outranking The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Pippa Grandison gives a superb performance as Durham.  With a powerful voice that carries a remarkable likeness, she brings great integrity to the role.

Phillip Lowe as Keith Potger, Mike McLeish as Bruce Woodley and Glaston Toft as Athol Guy are accomplished actors and fabulous musicians, with a sharp and clean sound.

Adam Murphy is vibrant and funny as commentator, Ron Edgeworth, Sophie Carter is a great support as Judith’s sister, Beverley and Ian Stenlake is wonderfully pompous as manager, John Ashby.

The production is essentially light-hearted which suits the musical storyline.  The ensemble supporting cast are bright and energetic and bring comedy and style to the funky characters of 60s England.

The combination of  Gary Young’s direction,  Stephen Amos’ musical arrangements, Trudy Dalgleish’s lighting, Isaac Lummis’ costumes, Shaun Gurton’s set design and Michael Ralph’s choreography help to make GEORGY GIRL a memorable theatrical experience.

GEORGY GIRL plays at the State Theatre until June 5th, 2016.