Stage set for Star Struck to rock the Hunter
Even before she introduces herself, there is the sense that Symphony Riley was born for the stage.
She has been writing her own songs since she was a child - melody first, naturally, and then the lyrics. The song that she will perform during Friday's opening performance at Star Struck is close to her heart.
It is called Forgive But Never Forget. She penned it when she was 13. Now, in her senior year at the Hunter School of Performing Arts, and having performed in Star Struck since she was in Year Six, Symphony is ready to finish her time in the Hunter and Central Coast public schools mega-show with a bang.
Thursday's final dress rehearsal was a bittersweet moment for Symphony and co-star Ruby Edwards. Both senior students have long tenures with the combined school creative arts showcase, which this year is staging over 4200 student performers from the Hunter and Central Coast.
Ruby has been involved since Year 3, first as a dancer and now as a featured vocalist with a special number she will perform with her sister.
Behind the hundreds of dancers, singers and on-stage talent, an army of musicians, tech and crew turns the wheels of each barn-storming number.
"It makes you feel like you're a star," Symphony said. "It's great."
As the pair reflect on the showcase that has punctuated their school years, Ruby and Symphony call it "Christmas in June".
They began rehearsals in December, they said, and by Friday night the fruits of six months of their creative labour will take the stage.
"It feels like an out-of-body experience," Ruby said. "It's not until you come off stage that you think 'Wow'."
Star Struck has been reignited in 2025 as organisers tip this year's performance, including a combined choir of 400 students, to be bigger and better than ever.
"This year's theme, Remixed: Volume 33, invites audiences on a dynamic journey through a reimagining of music, movement and meaning, highlighting a fresh take on past and present influences in the performing arts," organisers said in a statement.
The show's four performances featuring two separate casts will stage 400 Indigenous dancers alongside the mass choir performance.
Tickets on Thursday remained available through Ticketek for Saturday's 1pm performance with Cast B. The other three shows have sold out.
Even before she introduces herself, there is the sense that Symphony Riley was born for the stage.
She has been writing her own songs since she was a child - melody first, naturally, and then the lyrics. The song that she will perform during Friday's opening performance at Star Struck is close to her heart.
It is called Forgive But Never Forget. She penned it when she was 13. Now, in her senior year at the Hunter School of Performing Arts, and having performed in Star Struck since she was in Year Six, Symphony is ready to finish her time in the Hunter and Central Coast public schools mega-show with a bang.
Thursday's final dress rehearsal was a bittersweet moment for Symphony and co-star Ruby Edwards. Both senior students have long tenures with the combined school creative arts showcase, which this year is staging over 4200 student performers from the Hunter and Central Coast.
Ruby has been involved since Year 3, first as a dancer and now as a featured vocalist with a special number she will perform with her sister.
Behind the hundreds of dancers, singers and on-stage talent, an army of musicians, tech and crew turns the wheels of each barn-storming number.
"It makes you feel like you're a star," Symphony said. "It's great."
As the pair reflect on the showcase that has punctuated their school years, Ruby and Symphony call it "Christmas in June".
They began rehearsals in December, they said, and by Friday night the fruits of six months of their creative labour will take the stage.
"It feels like an out-of-body experience," Ruby said. "It's not until you come off stage that you think 'Wow'."
Star Struck has been reignited in 2025 as organisers tip this year's performance, including a combined choir of 400 students, to be bigger and better than ever.
"This year's theme, Remixed: Volume 33, invites audiences on a dynamic journey through a reimagining of music, movement and meaning, highlighting a fresh take on past and present influences in the performing arts," organisers said in a statement.
The show's four performances featuring two separate casts will stage 400 Indigenous dancers alongside the mass choir performance.
Tickets on Thursday remained available through Ticketek for Saturday's 1pm performance with Cast B. The other three shows have sold out.
Even before she introduces herself, there is the sense that Symphony Riley was born for the stage.
She has been writing her own songs since she was a child - melody first, naturally, and then the lyrics. The song that she will perform during Friday's opening performance at Star Struck is close to her heart.
It is called Forgive But Never Forget. She penned it when she was 13. Now, in her senior year at the Hunter School of Performing Arts, and having performed in Star Struck since she was in Year Six, Symphony is ready to finish her time in the Hunter and Central Coast public schools mega-show with a bang.
Thursday's final dress rehearsal was a bittersweet moment for Symphony and co-star Ruby Edwards. Both senior students have long tenures with the combined school creative arts showcase, which this year is staging over 4200 student performers from the Hunter and Central Coast.
Ruby has been involved since Year 3, first as a dancer and now as a featured vocalist with a special number she will perform with her sister.
Behind the hundreds of dancers, singers and on-stage talent, an army of musicians, tech and crew turns the wheels of each barn-storming number.
"It makes you feel like you're a star," Symphony said. "It's great."
As the pair reflect on the showcase that has punctuated their school years, Ruby and Symphony call it "Christmas in June".
They began rehearsals in December, they said, and by Friday night the fruits of six months of their creative labour will take the stage.
"It feels like an out-of-body experience," Ruby said. "It's not until you come off stage that you think 'Wow'."
Star Struck has been reignited in 2025 as organisers tip this year's performance, including a combined choir of 400 students, to be bigger and better than ever.
"This year's theme, Remixed: Volume 33, invites audiences on a dynamic journey through a reimagining of music, movement and meaning, highlighting a fresh take on past and present influences in the performing arts," organisers said in a statement.
The show's four performances featuring two separate casts will stage 400 Indigenous dancers alongside the mass choir performance.
Tickets on Thursday remained available through Ticketek for Saturday's 1pm performance with Cast B. The other three shows have sold out.
Even before she introduces herself, there is the sense that Symphony Riley was born for the stage.
She has been writing her own songs since she was a child - melody first, naturally, and then the lyrics. The song that she will perform during Friday's opening performance at Star Struck is close to her heart.
It is called Forgive But Never Forget. She penned it when she was 13. Now, in her senior year at the Hunter School of Performing Arts, and having performed in Star Struck since she was in Year Six, Symphony is ready to finish her time in the Hunter and Central Coast public schools mega-show with a bang.
Thursday's final dress rehearsal was a bittersweet moment for Symphony and co-star Ruby Edwards. Both senior students have long tenures with the combined school creative arts showcase, which this year is staging over 4200 student performers from the Hunter and Central Coast.
Ruby has been involved since Year 3, first as a dancer and now as a featured vocalist with a special number she will perform with her sister.
Behind the hundreds of dancers, singers and on-stage talent, an army of musicians, tech and crew turns the wheels of each barn-storming number.
"It makes you feel like you're a star," Symphony said. "It's great."
As the pair reflect on the showcase that has punctuated their school years, Ruby and Symphony call it "Christmas in June".
They began rehearsals in December, they said, and by Friday night the fruits of six months of their creative labour will take the stage.
"It feels like an out-of-body experience," Ruby said. "It's not until you come off stage that you think 'Wow'."
Star Struck has been reignited in 2025 as organisers tip this year's performance, including a combined choir of 400 students, to be bigger and better than ever.
"This year's theme, Remixed: Volume 33, invites audiences on a dynamic journey through a reimagining of music, movement and meaning, highlighting a fresh take on past and present influences in the performing arts," organisers said in a statement.
The show's four performances featuring two separate casts will stage 400 Indigenous dancers alongside the mass choir performance.
Tickets on Thursday remained available through Ticketek for Saturday's 1pm performance with Cast B. The other three shows have sold out.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
7 hours ago
- SBS Australia
NITV Radio - On Air Program 13/6/2025
Coming up on this episode of NITV Radio we chat with the two recipients of the 2025 First Nations Fellowship award at the recent First Nations Arts & Culture Awards. Candice Lorrae, an award wining First Nations singer, song writer and music producer and Ben Graetz who has been working in the performing arts sector for over 26 years. The Fellowship award by, Creative Australia supports outstanding, established artists' or arts workers' creative activity and professional development. We also look at the latest in Indigenous news.
7NEWS
9 hours ago
- 7NEWS
The tiny suburb that boasts heritage homes and a celebrity guest list
WATCH: $5m FIXER-UPPER hits Toorak | | 7NEWS Prahran East is a rising star suburb nestled between Melbourne's high-brow and hip. Originally home to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nation, the suburb's unique blend of urban cool and village charm is quickly making it one of Melbourne's most compelling addresses. The suburb got its unique name from the Indigenous word for the area, Pur-ra-ran, meaning 'land partially surrounded by water'. Located slightly further down 'the hill' from Toorak and Armadale's mansions, Prahran East originally housed the workers and servants of these grand houses in single-fronted Victorian workers' cottages and Edwardian terraces. From the 1970s, the area began to gentrify and houses were renovated and restored. The 1980s saw a wave of Greek migrants move into the area creating a shift in demographics. VIEW LISTING: 12 Greville Street, Prahran, VIC However, it was during the 1990s that the suburb gained its status as an artistic hub when it became an enclave for creatives and the gay community, who were attracted to the avant-garde Prahran TAFE (previously an art school) leading to further gentrification in the 2000s. Now, Prahran East is a tightly held enclave on the cusp of Armadale's leafy prestige and Prahran's edgy vibrancy. A - List credentials It's not just locals who've fallen in love with Prahran East, some big celebrity names have called it home too. Rock legend Chrissy Amphlett of The Divinyls, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, and AFL greats Ted Hopkins and Chris Judd have all called this tiny pocket of Melbourne home. A grand circa- 1863 residence on Greville Street, was once home to The Divinyls' frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett during the early days of her music career. Years later, Carlton premiership hero Ted Hopkins lived there for more than a decade following his time on the field. It recently sold for $5,250,000. Cate Blanchett and her husband quietly listed their Prahran East terrace in 2024, selling the stylish three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 5 Trinian Street for $3.01 million through Kay & Burton. The A-list couple had held the property since 2006, when they snapped it up for just $745,000, according to public records. With its blend of charm, character and low-key luxury, it's easy to see why Prahran East quietly attracts Australia's who's who. A suburb that has it all When it comes to lifestyle, Prahran East is a suburb that simply has it all. "You're smack in the middle of everything, but still get that genuine community feel," says sales consultant and auctioneer at Jellis Craig, Ashley Maikousis. "You don't feel locked away in a bubble here, which makes it really inviting." Its proximity to destinations such as Hawksburn and Toorak Villages, and retail hot spots, High Street in Armadale and Chapel St, make it a location that delivers the best of both worlds: high end sophistication and urban soul. "The leafy, tree-lined streets with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes give it classic charm," says Maikousis. "You've got a great mix of young couples, families, and long-time locals who all appreciate the convenience of being close to the city but still having their own peaceful village vibe." Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out with an evolving food scene filled with standout restaurants. Mount Erica Hotel has a buzzy vibe with courtyards perfect for alfresco dining all year round. In nearby Armadale, charming classics like the Orrong Hotel, a 150-year-old art deco pub, stand proud. Andrew McConnell's boutique grocer Morning Market has taken up residency in the village, offering locals everything from pantry staples to gourmet meals to freshly cut flowers. The suburb also has great access to public transport, sought-after schools, and the arts scene. A blend of heritage and character Residential architecture in Prahran East is predominantly a mix of single storey Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, with larger double storey terraces located closer to the main shopping strips. "A lot of young couples buy a charming single-front Victorian or Edwardian here to start with, and when it's time to upgrade, they nearly always want to stay," says Maikousis. "Most people end up renovating or extending rather than moving because the location is just unbeatable. "It's not uncommon for long-time locals to encourage their kids to buy here, knowing it's not only a fantastic lifestyle but a smart investment too." Due to this popularity, the suburb has been an attractive choice for developers keen to offer buyers an alternative residential option. Managing Director of Abadeen, Andrew Leoncelli, says the suburb was a top choice for his latest development due to its "local village" feel. "We chose Prahran East as the site for Grandview because it is one of the most incredible local villages in the inner south eastern suburbs," says Mr Leoncelli. Mr Leoncelli believes the development will appeal to buyers who love the area, but are unable to purchase a stand-alone house. "We offer a more affordable option to young professional couples who want two-to-three bedrooms with secure car spaces, but can't afford the small cottage homes that are typically in need of a renovation," he says. "These are basically out-of-reach for buyers who are time-poor and wanting to start a young family." The next evolution of Prahran East Director of Marshall White Developments, Leonard Teplin, has worked in the area for 15 years and believes the suburb is undergoing a "significant transformation". "The area has grown in sophistication with a more curated offering of shops, dining, and lifestyle services," he says. "The arrival of high-end names like Andrew McConnell, P Johnson Tailors, MCM Studio, and Leaf Store have elevated the local experience." Loading Instagram Post Much like its previous evolutions, Mr Teplin says he is witnessing a change in Prahran East's property landscape with buyers seeking out a wider range of housing options. "The housing landscape is evolving, with a move away from investor-style apartments and toward larger, architecturally designed homes." Mr Teplin says he is seeing an increase in downsizers and professional couples seeking out boutique developments that offer them the best of both worlds: house-sized living and luxury amenities. "These buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes with no renovation required," he says. "The ability to customise, combined with the boutique scale of developments, adds to the appeal." When he looks towards the future, Mr Teplin sees Prahran East remaining a tightly-held, low-density suburb, known for its character and exceptional lifestyle offering. "There's a genuine sense of community here that continues to resonate with residents," he says.
SBS Australia
15 hours ago
- SBS Australia
Gunggandji: Growing language with the next generation
The young people in Yarrabah do embrace language. I think they get very excited because it's taught in the schools. When they finish school and they're walking out the gate, they're singing, head, shoulders, knees and toes in language. They're coming home, they're sharing these language stories and name with their parents, with their families. Lenise Harry Hosts: Donnie Johannesen and Alden Lyall Supervising Producer: Donnie Johannesen Producer: Alden Lyall Additional Production: Mandy Coolen SBS Team: Kerri-Lee Barry, Joel Supple, Max Gosford, Bernadette Phương Nam Nguyễn
