The Schools Spectacular — the world’s biggest youth variety extravaganza — celebrates 25 years in November 2008 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

In terms of sheer size, scale and scope, the Schools Spectacular is unequalled in the world. An opportunity to showcase the talents of more than 3,000 New South Wales Public School students, the Spectacular features performers aged 5 to 19 in a dazzling display of colour, movement and music inspired by Australian life.

 A highlight on Sydney’s entertainment calendar, each year the Schools Spectacular introduces young performers to live audiences in the tens of thousands and is broadcast on ABC TV to millions of Australians in homes nationwide. This year’s celebration will reach new heights with guest appearances from some of the show’s outstanding success stories.

Many of today’s biggest names in the entertainment industry made their stage debut in the Spectacular. Australian Idol music director John Foreman, jazz diva Emma Pask, country music stars Travis Collins, The McClymonts, and Darren Coggan, Hi-5’s Nathan Foley, and Ten Tenors’ Shannon Brown are just some of the artists to cut their performing teeth on Schools Spectaculars in the past. They will all return to make guest appearances in this year’s very special 25th anniversary show. Multi platinum-selling recording artist and Australian Idol finalist, Paulini, is the latest celebrity to confirm a guest appearance in the 25th anniversary show.

 “My first experience of the Schools Spectacular was in 1988,” says Schools Spectacular 2008 compère John Foreman. “I was a student at Kotara High School in Newcastle, and was in a jazz band that played in the foyer of the Entertainment Centre at interval. The next year, I was performing centre stage inside.

“It was a moment that changed my life — and I can see, each year, lives being changed by the opportunities created by the Spectacular. It’s an incredible event, a magical night of entertainment and an amazing, uplifting night of television.”

Paulini says: “I absolutely loved performing in the Schools Spectacular as a teenager and I’m so excited to be coming back for the 25th anniversary.  It’s a credit to the organisers that they have kept providing such a wonderful opportunity for students year after year. It’s an excellent entry into the world of entertainment and  I support it wholeheartedly.”

Spectacular Director, Mary Lopez AM, has been behind the helm of all 25 shows. This will be her final year as Director. Mary says: “25 years of Spectaculars have created a loving and talented Spectacular family. Bonded by a passion for performance, tolerance and respect for each other and a love of a good time, this year they are going to give out a Spectacular never to be forgotten.”

Rolf Harris - who was the host of the first ever Schools Spectacular in 1984 - is returning as a special guest at the 25th celebration. In Sydney for his two week concert season at Sydney Opera House in December, Rolf is delighted to rejoin Mary Lopez, John Foreman and a new crop of talented youngsters from NSW Schools. Rolf says: "The Schools Spectaculars are exciting events for me. It's a special thrill to be able to join all these brilliant kids in the 25th Spectacular."
 
Pooling talent from rural and metro areas right across New South Wales, the Schools Spectacular  combines a 1,000 voice choir, 1,800 dancers and an 80-piece symphony orchestra, with foyer performers, Indigenous and all-male dance ensembles, and more than 40 featured artists in the all-live, all-student, all-original entertainment spectacle of the year.

The 2008 Schools Spectacular will be staged at Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday 28 November at 1pm (preview) and 8pm; and Saturday 29 November at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets are $57 for adults and $37 for students and concessions. Tickets sold through Ticketmaster (phone 1300 883 622).

The Schools Spectacular is presented by the NSW Department of Education and Training with the support of Principal Sponsor Telstra, Major Sponsor, the University of Western Sydney, and Associate Sponsors, Q Stores and Integral Energy. The Spectacular is also supported by the Teachers Credit Union, Qantas, Radio 2GB, ABC TV and the Sydney Morning Herald.

To download a copy of this Media Release, please click here.