The star of a new show celebrating the career of Tina Turner credits the rock superstar with inspiring her to become a singer.
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When she was 10 years old, Lucy Clifton went to her first live concert to see her idol in action.
About the same time, when holidaying with family, she was encouraged to enter a talent show.
“It was the first time I had really sung,” Clifton said.
“My mum just said ‘oh my gosh, I didn’t know you could sing’.”
Those two events have shaped Clifton’s life.
Clifton, from Newcastle, began attending singing and music lessons.
Growing up she performed in musicals and choirs.
She did music and drama for her Higher School Certificate and went on to study at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney.
Her education, experiences and love for Tina put her in good stead to land her first big role – fronting the Tina Turner Show: A Journey in Song and Dance.
It is a tribute show featuring songs from Tina’s beginnings with Ike Turner right through to her time as the queen of the female rock superstars.
“I’ve loved Tina Turner since I was little,” Clifton said.
“She’s just so unique.
“I don’t look like Tina, but I am a little like her voice-wise: powerful but a little bit husky.
“For me, this is just so well suited.
“I couldn’t think of anyone else to do a tribute for.”
Attendees to Clifton’s show are treated to a two-part spotlight on Tina's career.
The show features a six-piece live band from Newcastle, called The Years, four dancers, special lighting and audio-visual segments.
Clifton sings the songs as she sees them and introduces each era of Tina's career with a special monologue to set the scene.
“We don’t want people thinking I am Tina,” Clifton said.
“There’s a lot of story telling, letting everyone know about her life which she built from nothing.”
Clifton takes an intimate look at Tina’s career spanning her beginnings in the 60s right through to the present day.
Songs including Nutbush City Limits, Simply The Best, Proud Mary and Private Dancer are interspersed through a show which also features special lighting and audio/visual highlights.
The Tina Turner Show: A Journey in Song and Dance will held at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on June 24.
Tickets, available from the club or by phoning 4981 1344, cost $25.
The show begins at 8pm.