We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) by Lorena Novoa: Young Talent Time, 1986

This clip comes from a series of behind-the-scenes segments called ‘Close-up’ where we get to know Young Talent Team members and their families.  

Lorena Novoa, who was born in Argentina, joined the team in 1984 and graduated in 1987, returning to the show briefly in 1988. 

The voice-over track is mixed too low so it is hard to hear at times, but the pictures speak volumes. The tape recorder, Walkman, typewriter and her Duran Duran scrapbook dates the piece beautifully to the 1980s. 

Seeing the introduction, and her fabulous grandmothers from Detroit and Argentina, before her rendition of Tina Turner’s ‘We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)’ gives context to the huge amount of personality Lorena brings to her performance. 

As always, the costumes are eye-catching. The production team makes good use of the relatively simple set, giving a live concert atmosphere with the use of lighting and dry ice.

The only thing that detracts from the performance are the unnecessary and somewhat inexplicable cutaways to volcanic lava. 

The song, written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, was first performed by Tina Turner and featured memorably in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. 

This excerpt comes from episode 86/42, recorded on 13 October 1986. 

Notes by Beth Taylor