Neighbours: The 40th Anniversary Tour

After the success of the Celebration Tour, and to mark Neighbours turning 40 this year, we’re back with another group of actors telling their stories of their time on the show.

Buying tickets for an event is never an easy feat, is it? Panic set in when I ran into issues with the website, and by the time I got through, all the meet-and-greet tickets were gone. I did manage to secure a standard ticket for the Manchester show, though.

Then, just as luck would have it, additional VIP tickets were released. Yay! …Except there were none for Manchester. Boo!

I did manage to grab a VIP ticket for the Birmingham leg, which also happens to be the tour’s first stop.

I was thrilled to have scored a meet-and-greet ticket, but then it hit me: I was going alone. Cue anxiety, especially after my last experience in Birmingham for the OZTV event.

Thankfully, the journey down was smooth and drama-free. I decided to stay overnight, just to avoid a repeat of “train-gate!”

Meet and Greet

As I headed to the venue, I was surprisingly calm. I still didn’t know what to say to the cast, but anxiety wasn’t as bad as I expected.

Even when I ended up at the wrong B:Music venue, I remained calm. The correct venue was just around the corner, so I made my way there.

Who am I? Apparently, I left my anxiety on the train!

At the venue, there was a long queue, and I just joined the back. How very British of me! Then I double-checked with someone to make sure I was in the right line. It was the right one, and it broke the ice with the person in front.

Once registered, you move to where the cast is. At Birmingham, they were based in the theatre itself.

Entering the hall, I was almost close enough to touch the cast. While in line, Kym Valentine (Libby Kennedy) spotted me and gave the “I see you” gesture.

Leo, Majella, Lucinda & Rebekah

Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese Willis) started by introducing the group. It still feels odd when they introduce themselves, like we don’t know who they are.

When I met Lucinda Cowden (Mel Pearson), I mentioned we’d met at the OZTV event. She surprised me by saying, “I remember you.” Considering I clammed up last time, I didn’t expect that.

We talked about how, at the time of the OZTV event, she knew she was leaving the show because her contract wasn’t being renewed, but she didn’t mention it. She stayed quiet, remaining upbeat and friendly, talking about a job she knew she was about to lose. This sparked some discussion about the whole situation.

The producers didn’t do Lucinda any favours on her return to Neighbours 3.0. Her main storyline, the love quadrangle, was one of the worst. It was predictable and boring. That’s a rant for another day!

They also missed a chance to explore the relationship between Krista and Mel, which had real potential. These two characters had a history off-screen, which was slightly tackled at the beginning of their return/introduction, and then forgotten about until a few weeks before Mel left.

Majella Davis (Krista Sinclair) was lovely. I just blurted out that she better be nominated for all the awards, which took her by surprise.

We discussed the episode where Krista miscarried, and how powerful and emotional it was. I hope those scenes make it into the ‘For Your Consideration’ video for awards.

We know that Neighbours won’t win a Logie as those are rigged to Channel 7’s favour. Maybe a Daytime Emmy?

I owe Tim Kano (Leo Tanaka) an apology. While we spoke briefly in the group, I didn’t engage properly. I also missed my chance to ask if Leo might be groomed to replace Paul if Stefan ever left.

Before I left, I had to tell Beks I wasn’t a fan of Terese getting back with Paul, which took her aback. I didn’t have time to explain, only that “She deserves better.”

Kym & Dan

Before I even reached the next meeting point, Kym Valentine (Libby) greeted me with a huge hug. It was clear she remembered me from the OZTV event, and it felt like we were old friends catching up.

Dan Paris (Drew Kirk) had to step in and introduce himself. Sorry, Dan!

We talked about how Libby needs to return to the show. I’ve already got the storyline planned: Libby returns to Erinsborough, with a new husband and step-kids Thus bringing both an iconic character and a fresh family dynamic.

While I see Leo as the natural replacement for Paul, Libby could carry on the Kennedy legacy if Susan and Karl ever leave. Now we just need to campaign to bring Kym back!

I jokingly told Dan he can’t return… but maybe another zombie cameo?

Merchandise

At the last event, the VIP package included a signed poster and a Ramsay Street sign. This time, it wasn’t clear what would be included, but I assumed it would be the same. It was.

I joked that instead of the sign, they should have handed out replica Waterhole menus.

The merchandise available for sale had been pared down compared to the previous event. In addition to the sign and poster, items for sale included a programme, t-shirt, tote bag, and magnet. Available individually or as a bundle.

The quality of the items was good, especially the tote bag, which made my buying one beforehand feel a bit unnecessary.

Would it have been nice to see more merch, like the cups, pens, or keyrings similar to the previous event? Yes. I’ve heard similar feedback from others.

However, since the Anniversary Tour is a smaller event than the Celebration Tour, I can understand why the merch options aren’t as extensive.

The Show

I’ll be honest, the attendance didn’t quite match the previous event, which was a shame.

That said, there were still plenty of Neighbours fans filling the theatre, creating a great atmosphere.

The format of the show was identical to the last event: individual interviews in the first half, followed by a group Q&A session, and ending with a performance.

Like the previous tour, it is clear that the cast has fond memories of Neighbours. The actors also keep up with the fans of the show, and even use some of their nicknames…such as “Terage”

Team Praise was in attendance, but there was also a lot of Anti Praise.

There was a lot of discussion about Lucinda, who was recently axed from the show. While it was clear that they were upset about the decision, they were extremely professional and positive about the show.

There was a lovely section where they reflected on some of the past cast.

The cast shared fond memories about Janet Andrewarth (Lynn Scully), who recently passed away.

Lucinda provided a positive update on Ian Smith (Harold Bishop), who recently left the show due to ill health.

Kym & Dan also shared a funny anecdote about Tom Oliver (Lou Carpenter).

There was definitely a sense of love and admiration oozing from the stage.

Leah Boleto, who returned to host the shows, tried her hardest to get some spoilers for the upcoming 40th-anniversary show.

While nothing was officially confirmed, it was heavily hinted that Leo & Krista will be part of the main story arc. Can we hear wedding bells?

Possibly. Most likely. Though, like every soap wedding, we can expect some drama.

There was also a mention of “a death…maybe,” but this could just be a red herring.

A lot was discussed that I won’t spoil here. However, one thing that wasn’t confirmed was whether the show has been renewed.

With Amazon’s second season fast approaching its midpoint and filming due to finish in a few weeks, there’s still been no word on whether it’s been renewed.

Fans were hoping the anniversary tour would deliver the news everyone was eager to hear. Alas…nada!

Fingers crossed we’ll get some good news soon.

The Celebration Tour ended with Susan Kennedy’s 2022 faux final monologue. So, how could the Anniversary Tour top that? Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible.

But we were serenaded with an “Ode to Mel”, which was just as touching. The show has definitely lost a colourful character.

And, of course, the show couldn’t end without a rendition of the Neighbours theme tune.

Final thoughts

NeighBens summed it up perfectly: the Anniversary Tour felt more geared toward current Neighbours viewers, as most of the cast came from Neighbours 3.0.

In contrast, the Celebration Tour was aimed at fans from all eras, featuring long-serving icons that everyone recognised.

Was it as good as the Celebration Tour? Yes, but I think I preferred the previous one. And I’ll tell you why…it was the atmosphere.

The Celebration Tour was filled with excitement. We had just learned that Amazon had renewed the show, and we were all eagerly anticipating the new episodes.

That was what was missing this time. It had nothing to do with the cast or the show; it was just lacking that spark.

However, I can’t wait to see it again when it arrives in Manchester.