Schools Spectacular: Back to the Future for 40 years of the world’s biggest variety show

From twirling ribbons onstage to brimming with pride backstage, teacher Louise has been a part of Schools Spectacular since its very beginning. Here’s a sneak peek at the 40th anniversary show.

Schools Spectacular, the world’s biggest variety show is going back to the future for a ‘fabulous’ birthday celebration, and for those who have been there since the very beginning this year’s event is all the more special.

Now in its 40th year, the modern Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena brings together nearly 6,000 students from 387 NSW public schools, a third of whom are from regional and rural parts of the state.

When Campbelltown Performing Arts High School teacher Louise Leary first took to the stage in 1984, Schools Spec was a much smaller affair, but twirling to the Overture from Carmen in the opening number alongside fifteen other girls nevertheless galvanasied Ms Leary’s 30-year career in teaching.

Campbelltown School of Performing Arts' relieving head teacher of performing arts Louise Leary with dance students (L- R) Isabelle Hard (16), Tallish Ramadan (13) and Mia Kouwenberg (13). Picture: Jane Dempster

“When I was at school, we had an after-school dance group – there was no such thing as dance as a subject which it is now,” she said.

“I was only thirteen … walking into the Entertainment Centre, absolutely wide-eyed and amazed. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Campbelltown School of Performing Arts' head teacher of performing arts Louise Leary (C) starred in the first ever Schools Spec as a ribbon twirler 40 years ago, and it inspired her to become a schoolteacher. Now her students are starring in the showcase. Tickets go on sale on Friday for the 40th annual Schools Spectacular, bringing more than 6000 public school students together at Qudos Bank Arena for the world's largest variety show.

Nowadays, seeing her own students train and rehearse to stand where she once stood is “the ultimate joy”, she said, and in recent years she’s even run into former students who have continued the cycle by become performing arts teachers themselves.

“I still get tears in my eyes,” Ms Leary said.

Louise Leary performing at the 1985 Schools Spectacular when she was in Yr 9. Picture: Supplied

Louise performs 'Carmen Overture' Ribbon Dance in 1984 in Parramatta Park. Picture: Supplied

“When you hear the clapping and cheering and you’re standing in the tunnels that go out onto the arena, it still gives me chills.”

In the 2023 shows students will pay homage to Ms Leary’s Carmen number and the 80s era, with the show jam-packed with nostalgic references including a DeLorean.

Executive Producer Richard Spiewak said over 1300 people were on the waiting list for tickets when sales opened on Friday.

“The show has really grown up,” he said.

“To watch the kids come off stage after they’re performed is to see students that are 10 foot tall.

“I think a lot of people fail to acknowledge that the arts are a big reason for a lot of kids to get up in the morning and go to school.”