It has been a decade since Uncanny X-Men frontman Brian Mannix took his light-hearted take on the legendary television program Countdown out on the road. Now, for a select run of dates, audiences are in for a treat as Brian and friends bring I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown – It’s A Musical Comedy to metropolitan centres from July.
If there was ever a show remembered with such reverence, it is Countdown. The show is ingrained in Australian music history, and the antics of the bands performing have created a folklore of their own. Recalling memories of his own time on the show with his band, Brian was hit with an epiphany of sorts – the opportunity to recreate Countdown for the live stage, bringing in all the extremes and hilarity that often ensued, and of course, wrapping it around a killer soundtrack. The result was I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown which has sold-out every season the show has toured, since the first run in 1998 to the last rendition in 2011.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown doesn’t just give audiences a musical experience, showcasing music from the likes of Skyhooks, Hush, Suzi Quatro, The Knack, Blondie, Uncanny X-Men, Mondo Rock and ACDC, to name a few, but it also gives an insight into what was going on backstage during the filming of the show. Theatre-goers are given a rare peek into the ups, downs, and everything in between – which is ample fodder for comedy – of getting bands on stage, and on-air.
“From the fashion, the acts and Molly, there was always going to be great opportunity for humour, and the songs were the soundtrack to our lives from 1974 to 1987,” says Brian. “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.”
Much like the original television show it is based on, Brian says the musical has grown over the years. “The original show was informative, somewhat innovative and somewhat hilarious, especially when one views it in hindsight,” says Brian. “The show was constantly evolving, and the behind-the-scenes stuff has increased in latter productions. This is in part because the cast are so funny, I try to give them more to do besides singing. It’s not just a balance of what Countdown was, but a balance of what works best in theatre. I think we have it about right, but we will no doubt keep adding and subtracting stuff. That’s part of the fun and keeps the show fresh.”
Despite writing and directing the musical, Brian doesn’t play himself when the Uncanny X-Men perform, Instead, acclaimed theatrical performer Richard Macionis reprises his role as Brian again. Richard has only fond memories of touring with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown. “It’s such a fun show,” he says. “The music – the madness of Countdown! But mostly, it’s seeing the faces and hearing the joy of the people in the room, as song after song, takes them back to special memories... their first disco, their first pash... Sunday evening sitting in front of the tele with family eating pizza subs, and reliving the popstar crushes they had, with the pop stars who are again on stage in front of them.”