THE Robertson Brothers aren’t just hitting the high notes – they’re hitting the sweet spot of nostalgia.
The Australian vocal harmony group, known for their rich vocals and irreverent humour, are again taking their acclaimed Variety TV Show on the road.
This time, the brothers return to familiar territory – Swan Hill – with a revamped show that blends musical brilliance, retro charm, and plenty of laughs.
“We travel around the country all year, so we always come back,” said Ben Robertson, one half of the charismatic duo.
“But we always make sure that we change the show.
“It’s the same name – The Robertson Brothers 1960s Variety Show – but the content’s always different, you know, for obvious reasons. So people don’t think they’ve seen it before.”
Born in a burst of creativity at 4am in 2016, the concept of bringing classic television variety shows to life on stage has been touring since 2017.
And it’s only grown stronger with time.
“I’m always bringing up these crazy ideas,” Robertson said.
“And I thought, that might work. So we put it together, and it’s just going great guns. It gets bigger and better every year, and that’s the plan.”
Set up like a 1960s-style TV awards night, complete with ad breaks and mock categories, the show is unlike anything else on stage today.
Audience members walk in as if they’re attending the Logies, swept up in the golden glow of nostalgia.
“There’s nothing like that anymore,” Robertson said.
“We wish variety TV would come back. Mum and Dad talk about the classic shows all the time.
“We grew up with Don Lane, Bert Newton, Mike Walsh … there’s just a big gap there now. So we’re filling it.”
The 2025 edition of the show features new tributes and special guest performers, breathing new life into old favourites.
Simon Brook McLachlan, known for his time in The Jersey Boys, returns with a standout Del Shannon tribute.
Meanwhile, fans of early reality television will recognise Cosima De Vito, the powerhouse singer who placed third in the inaugural season of Australian Idol, now delivering stunning renditions of Petula Clark and The Carpenters.
“We’ve also added The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, and The Everly Brothers,” Robertson said.
“It’s a real trip down memory lane, and the audience always tells us the same thing: ‘I felt like a teenager again’. That’s what we try to get every time.”
For all the stage magic, there’s one part of the tour that’s especially memorable for the brothers – Swan Hill Town Hall.
“Very nostalgic, you can just feel it when you walk in,” Robertson said.
“And, I’ve got to say it has the best hot water pressure in the country. After over 100 showers a year, that matters. We’re very serious about that.”
Though the show format is familiar, the material is always fresh, ensuring audiences return year after year for something new.
“The reaction is always great,” Robertson said.
“We build it for the older generation, yes, but it’s not just about age.
“It’s about making people feel young again. That’s why we do what we do.”
The Robertson Brothers are best known for singing the Home and Away theme song, from 2000 to 2006.
At the 1994 ARIA Music Awards, their debut single I Know Why was nominated for Best New Talent.
The Robertson Brothers Variety Show might just be the best ticket in town.
They perform on Friday, July 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets range from $74.95 – $79.95. Purchase online at the town hall website.
