WHEN international acts come on tour Down Under, most artists are keen to catch a glimpse of a kangaroo or hug a koala.
But English born singer and stage performer Joe Sterling has other plans.
After being cast in the acclaimed production The Simon & Garfunkel Story alongside theatre veteran Gregory Clark, the 24-year-old is gearing up to bring his version of Art Garfunkel to Australian stages.
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READ NOWWhile Sterling said he was excited to bring the show here, the self-confessed soapie lover admitted he was also itching to go behind the scenes at his favourite TV show.
“I’m not really sure about the other lads but I’m a huge fan of Neighbours, so I’d love to go visit the set and take a tour though Ramsey Street,” he said.
“We’re really excited to come to Australia; none of us have ever been before.”
Having travelled with the show throughout Europe, the UK and South Africa for the past year, Sterling said he was constantly amazed by audiences’ strong reactions to Simon & Garfunkel.
The production mixes striking visual aids and music to tell the tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York, go on to become the world’s most successful musical duo.
“I’ve heard the show described as a musical documentary, which I think is quite a good way to explain it,” Sterling said.
“We’ve played for a wide age range; people who were from that era come to revisit memories from that time but it’s really nice to introduce the music to a new generation too.”
Sterling grew up in the 1990s and missed Simon & Garfunkel at the height of their fame, but the powerful duo still had an impact on his youth.
“My mum is actually a very big fan; I remember we used to listen to it in the car on the way to school most days,” Sterling said.
“So Mum was really pleased when she found out I was cast. She’s seen the show about 10 times already; she loves it.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Where: Perth Concert Hall
When: July 8
Tickets: www.perthconcerthall.com.au