Outback Spectacular Christmas special: What to expect at memorable show
A you beaut show has been reimagined for Christmas, wowing young and old alike. Find out what to expect - see our exclusive photos and video.
Gold Coast
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The North Pole may be a long way from the Outback, but families wanting the perfect Christmas night out may find Akubras and Santa hats a surprisingly good mix at a renowned Gold Coast show.
Carols, sing-alongs and spectacular ‘light up’ finale have been mixed with the horsemanship and larrikin humour for which The Australian Outback Spectacular’s Heartland production is already famous.
Sabrina Durante, who plays one of the lead characters Sarah, said bringing A Touch of Christmas to the Outback was a dream come true for the jolly swagmen and women of the cast.
“I love Christmas. It’s the happiest time of the year,” Ms Durante said.
“It’s like my two favourite things (Christmas and the Outback Spectacular) have come together.
“School holidays brings in all the kids. It’s awesome to have all the kids here and see their faces light up during the show.
“And seeing the animals with the Christmas hats on is extra exciting.
“It’s so great to bring Christmas to the Outback.”
Ms Durante, who grew up in Pimpama, has extra reason to celebrate the festive season at the Outback Spectacular, having joined the show following a trip home from Sydney for Christmas when she had been studying at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).
“I was born and bred in Pimpama. I studied at NIDA in Sydney,” Ms Durante said.
“I came home for Christmas six years ago, got a job here and it’s become a second home really.
“I’ve done three of the shows now: Salute to the Light Horse, Return of High Country Legends and Heartland.
“It’s great, I get to sing and ride at the same time.
“In this show I sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, True Colours and I Choose You.”
Equine manager and dog trainer Heidi Mackay said children and adults alike loved seeing the animals with their Christmas outfits.
What audience members might not realise, however, is just how much the show animal stars, including dogs Red and Oi, love seeing them too.
“Red and Oi have been with the show since they were eight weeks old. They love it,” Ms Mackay said.
“They have to each have a turn of a scene in the show or they’re not happy.
“We do guest photos at 6.30. At 6.15 Oi starts crying, he can’t wait to get out.”
The Australian Outback Spectacular’s special A Touch of Christmas show runs until December 23 at its Oxenford venue, with tickets – which include a three course dinner and drinks – priced from just $79.99 for children and $99.99 for adults.
Children even get the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself after the show.
For more, see www.destinationgoldcoast.com/12plays-of-christmas or www.outbackspectacular.com.au.
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