Mackay musical Heading North inspired by Graeme Connors’ songs

The musical transforms Graeme Connors’ music into a production celebrating all things wonderful and fabulous about growing up in the north.

Shontae Minniecon, Cheryl Peppin, Kathleen Campbell, John Manning, Joel Bow and Reg Walker preparing for the 'taster' production of Heading North. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Tom Fitzpatrick is the prodigal son finally returning to Queensland after chasing his fortunes down south.

While a fictional character, the man bringing him to life – John Manning – says Tom is relatable, especially to himself, as he performs in the upcoming musical Heading North.

And audiences will get a ‘taster’ in the workshop production premiering on Friday at the MECC.

“Tom is closely aligned with me I think,” Mr Manning said with a laugh.

“He’s a work in progress but he can develop into a really cool and likeable part of the cast.”

Actor John Manning preparing for the 'taster' production of Heading North. Picture: Lillian Watkins

The musical is based on producer Joel Bow’s interpretation of Graeme Connors’ song A Little Further North Each Year and will track two families who buy beach houses in Queensland’s tropics in the 1960s.

While the production is new, the concept has been years in the making.

Mr Bow said he first saw Connors perform his album North at the MECC in 1988 with his parents.

Joel Bow and Cheryl Peppin directing actors Shontae Minniecon and Reg Walker for the 'taster' production of Heading North. Picture: Lillian Watkins

It was 30 years later Mr Bow was in the audience again for Connors’ 30th anniversary tour where he heard the musician offhandedly say “I’ve always wanted to put my songs into a musical”.

Mr Bow said that was it, he messaged Connors and said, “I’m your guy.”

Producer Joel Bow preparing for the 'taster' production of Heading North. Picture: Lillian Watkins

The producer has worked closely with Connors and other Mackay creators throughout the past two years to turn “a country singer with a three piece band” into a musical.

Mr Bow said he wanted the story to pay homage to his fabulous northern upbringing and the amazing regional community.

“It’s not about Graeme, it’s not about Joel, I’m just using these beautiful songs to weave a story we can all relate to,” he said.

But the road has not been easy with Covid-19 putting the production on hold.

“We have incredible talent in Mackay,” Mr Bow said

“I hand-picked most of the core cast two years ago.

“I’ve actually needed to rewrite the ages of some of the characters because they grew up two years in Covid.”

Actors Reg Walker and Shontae Minniecon preparing for the 'taster' production of Heading North. Picture: Lillian Watkins

While the final production is still a while away, people can indulge in a taste this weekend.

Purchase tickets here.