Bohemian Rhapsody: Young Talent Time, 1983

Bobby Driessen (1979–83) leads the Young Talent Time team in a rendition of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, written by Freddie Mercury.  

The higher production values in this segment make it stand out from the show’s usual pared-back set design.

Johnny Young recalls that the show’s budget and the large number of shows they did each year (up to 44) often meant they needed to borrow sets from other Network Ten shows, such as Neighbours. The costumes, as always, are a stand-out. 

Team members graduated from the show when they turned 16 years old and Bobby and Tina Arena (1977–83), who appears briefly, are almost ready to leave here.

The mix of ages means that different kids are suited to different songs, and it’s satisfying to see older performers like Bobby getting to sink their teeth into more demanding numbers like this one.

Bobby and Tina also sing ‘You’re The One That I Want’ from Grease in this clip. 

Other team members featured include Dannii Minogue (1982–88), Joey Perrone (1980–84), Karen Dunkerton (1981–85), Michael Campbell (1981–83), Jodie Loebert (1980–83), Vince Del Tito (1983–88) and Mark McCormack (1982–83). 

This excerpt comes from episode 83/01, which was a best-of episode. 

Notes by Beth Taylor