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INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES

Dancing Up a Storm by Jackie Brygel

TV Week, Australia, 7th May 2005

Neighbours' 20th birthday gave the cast an excuse to kick up their heels at the Logies

What do you get when all of the folk from Ramsay Street join forces to strut their stuff onstage in front of a live audience? A super-spectacular dance number that was sure to take the 2005 TV WEEK Logie Awards by storm. In the weeks leading up to Australian TV's night of nights, the Neighbours cast had been spending much of their time away from the cameras practising their moves for the show-stopping routine. Marking the 20th anniversary of the hit series, the dance number was planned to top off a wonderful night for the show's cast and crew, along with Neighbours being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame.

TV WEEK was given exclusive access to a group rehearsal for the routine before the star-studded event. And the atmosphere in the room was buzzing, as renowned choreographer Tony Bartuccio led the cast through their paces. "I had come up with a concept that was going to showcase Neighbours," Tony said. "We're actually looking forward to another 20 years, so I wanted the cast to look edgy and fresh. The concept is based on the circus of life in Erinsborough. It's out of their comfort zone and the biggest part is reassuring them that they're going to look great."

Janet Andrewartha, who plays Lyn Scully in the show, said she didn't hesitate when asked to be part of the routine. "I think it's a great idea and it will be good fun on the night," she enthused. Janet believed it was fitting that the cast should perform together on the Logies stage this year. "It's a celebration and a bit of fun. I can't believe my luck that I'm in Neighbours in its 20th year," she smiled, adding, "Isn't it fantastic? What is worth celebrating is that any Australian-made show has made it to this length of time, and I'm really glad it's our show. I think Neighbours will go on for many more years."

But that's not to say there weren't a few nerves among some of the actors before the big night. Lara Sacher, who plays Ramsay Street teen Serena Bishop, confessed she was one of those feeling a little jittery. "I'm nervous already - I have this thing in my stomach," she whispered to co-star Marisa Warrington, who plays Sindi Watts. "It is a bit nerve-racking," agreed 15-year-old Eliza Taylor-Cotter, better known as sultry teen Janae Timmins. "I wasn't sure when I first heard about it, but seeing it all come together is great."

As Tony yelled out, "Let's take it from the top again," Logies telecast executive producer Denis Spencer watched from the sidelines. "It's 20 years since Neighbours started and we just thought something had to be done about it," he explained. "It's a terrific celebration for them and I think it shows that the cast are pretty versatile and they're good sports." Neighbours producer Peter Dodds was understandably chuffed as he sat through the rehearsal. "This is a cast that dynamic," he said. "We're very proud to show them off."

Rehearsing the rap segment of the dance, Neighbours newcomer Damien Bodie, who plays bad boy Dylan Timmins, was working up a sweat. "It's exhausting, but when everyone gets up together and does it in sequence it's great," he said. "I certainly couldn't have come on to the show at a better time," Damien continued. "So many things are happening, so many of the former cast are coming back and it's an honour to be part of the 20th year and the Logies."

Nell Feeney, who plays Dylan's mother, Janelle, admitted she hasn't rehearsed a dance number like this since she was in drama school. "It's a bit of a shock to the system," she laughed, adding, "It does bring back some memories." Alan Fletcher, who has been bringing Ramsay Street's Dr Karl Kennedy to life for the past 11 years, summed up the thoughts of many of his fellow cast members with these words: "It's wonderful getting the opportunity to actually celebrate the show properly at Australia's premier television event."

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