2 Bobs worth and the new kid

Priscilla new cast members

Paul Makin

Journalist

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Former radio star Barry Ion will pay Bob the mechanic in four performances of Priscilla. IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

First up I must be honest and say this is a very personal story for Newsport. I’m being replaced in the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

During its last huge run at the Clink Theatre Port Douglas, I put on Bob the mechanic’s overalls, grabbed my trusty toolbox and set out with the three blokes, sorry ladies, and became part of their spectacular outback odyssey.

It was so much fun each night being wooed by Bernadette played by the wonderful Shaun Cram and having my stage wife Cynthia (Ali Lee) embarrass me with her skills with ping pong balls. But now, in four of the eight encore performances in August/September, former high profile radio announcer Barry Ion is stepping into my boots.

It is a self-imposed exile as I have a reunion interstate, but still, to think Barry with be cosying up to Bernadette instead of me at four of the performances, is a hard pill to swallow and yes, I’m slightly jealous.

Ratings winner

Barry was one half of the highly successful Bazz and Pilko radio team who won the radio ratings in Adelaide more times than anyone else. They were the undisputed kings of radio in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. They even hit number one in Sydney, knocking off radio giant Gary O'Callaghan and that was no mean feat. His radio partner Tony Pilkington is still on air somewhere in Oz.

Couple give back

Barry and girlfriend Giovanna spend more than six months each year in our beautiful town, but they are not takers. They give back, Barry for example joined the wonderful Creative Souls Choir under the watchful eye of Jenn Kerr and helps with local charities to raise funds. Giovanna recently had a supporting role in the Clink play ‘It Runs in the Family’ and has taken a lead role in marketing several shows at the theatre.

Snapped up

Priscilla Director Michael Kerr snapped Barry up when he heard I’d be absent for those last four performances and let’s face it, the show must go on. Barry Ion told Newsport “I’ve done radio and television but not very much stage work, so it was daunting at first but as I got into rehearsals, I really started to enjoy the comradery of it all and they’re a great bunch of people to perform with”. I’ve helped Barry with a few suggestions during rehearsals, but unfortunately for me his singing is so much better than mine. Seriously though Barry, Chookas for YOUR debut on September 1st. For the rest of us in the cast it’s August 25th. And Barry I’ll be in the audience on your opening night. No pressure mate!

New kid on the block

There’s another replacement in the show and that’s the role of Benji, the long-lost son of Tick (Ben Hardie). Replacing young George Janouris is 9-year-old Ayden Donegan, also from Adelaide. Ayden and his parents are in the same caravan park as Barry and Giovanna, so the word got around that the role was up for grabs. Ayden auditioned, was offered the role and has proved to be a real find. He told Newsport “I love it because I get a chance to act and sing and its fun working with Ben (Hardie) who plays my dad in the show”. His real dad Michael has also landed a small role in Priscilla as Lars, a tourist from Sweden. His mother Cathy is also helping behind the scenes, so it’s a real family affair.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical Encore opens 25th August and run through till September 4th. Bookings www.clinktheatre.com.au

Barry cops a spray from his mail order bride Cynthia (Ali Lee) in rehearsals. IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
Barry and Bernadette (Shaun Cram) share a quiet moment in Priscilla as they rehearse the scene. IMAGE Paul. Makin|FAB FM
Barry gets in the way as Frank (Stephen Bigby) and Bernadette (Shaun Cram) square off during reheasals. IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
Michael Donegan and son Ayden behind the scenes at the Clink IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
Tick (Ben Hardie) and Benji (Ayden Donegen) reunite in a touching scene from the show IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
The other Bob who’s on the way-out IMAGE Supplied
Bazz and Pilko win the radio ratings in Sydney during the 80’s IMAGE Supplied
Bazz and Pilko with radio legend John Laws IMAGE Supplied

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