When Lilly Mitchelhill takes her final bow at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre this month, she’ll have mixed emotions.
After four Star Struck campaigns, the Lambton High School Year 12 student will bid the popular event farewell on Saturday 15 June.
While there’ll be the usual relief, following another elite performance, the teenager is also aware it’s the end of an era for her.
“There’s so much stress in show week, but then once it all comes together on stage, everyone enjoys themselves,” Lilly said.
“I’m no different.
“I did my first Star Struck in Year 3, when I was in the choir.
“So, I’ve performed on and off for several years now.
“However, this is my last one, there’s a bit of sadness attached to it.
“We’re just going to try and make the most of it.
“Thankfully, I’m in the most songs, so I’m happy about that.”
Lilly is preparing to sing four tracks… Give You Love (with Year 12), Young Hearts Run Free and Shake It Off as duets, and Problems/Can’t Feel My Face in a group effort.
“Of course, we had to throw a Taylor Swift number in,” she said.
“But, I’m a Jessica Mauboy fan, she’s amazing.
“I do listen to quite a few different genres of music, coming out of rock into more of a poppy style.
“However, for me, Jessica is always incredible.”
As for Lilly’s fondest memory, the answer’s simple.
“The Star Struck community itself is amazing,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Once you hit show week, you’re out of school and you’re completely in this music world.
“I love it, which, ironically, is the 2024 theme.
“Then once it’s over, and you finish that last show, you return to the real world.
“It’s such a surreal feeling.
The amount of work and effort that goes into it, making it such a big production, is unbelievable.
Lilly Mitchelhill
“I’m not sure where my journey will head after Star Struck.
“I still don’t know what I want to do, I’m anticipating a gap year between school and uni because that’s what my dad did.
“I guess it’s about time I figured it out,” she added.
“But, I want to stay around Newcastle and possibly do things at the Playhouse or various theatres around here.
“This is the community that I’m happy to be a part of.”
It was a natural step for Lilly to stand in front of a microphone; it’s in her blood.
“My mum was a singer,” she said.
“And, I’ve been singing since I was about 12, I’m 18 now.
“I have actually performed at The Beach Hotel and the Wicko (Wickham Park Hotel) when I was in a band through Rosie’s School of Rock.
“So, I’ve always had a passion for music and things like that.”
Star Struck will take place over two days, with Cast A appearing at 11am on Friday 14 June and 7pm on Saturday 15 June.
Cast B steps up from 7pm (on Friday) and 1pm (on Saturday).
And, Lilly urges everyone to attend one of the shows.
“People should definitely make their way to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre,” she said.
“They won’t be disappointed.
“The amount of work and effort that goes into it, making it such a big production, is unbelievable.
“This year boasts such amazing songs, so come and see it.
“Plus, the talent in the region is incredible.
“Every aspect of CAPA’s (Creative and Performing Arts) highlighted.
“There’s art in the posters and promotional material, puppeteers, drama, drum performances, the music, the band, the orchestra.
“It takes a village of people just to get this going, along with everyone behind the scenes like the production team, which I’ve been a part of as well.
“It’s awesome.”
For more entertainment stories:
- Star Struck 2024: Co-founder John Deacon’s heart still swells with pride
- Star Struck 2024: Young talent continues to amaze Casey Smith
- Star Struck 2024: It’s time to ‘Love it’
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