top of page
surfers final oct24 16-9.jpg
Apple-Music-Logo-700x394.png

Surfers is a musical dedicated to the Australian culture of sun, surf and sand, a culture which is expressed nowhere as colourfully as on the Gold Coast. Set in the mid-Sixties when families flocked to the place known simply as “Surfers” for their summer holidays, it recalls the music and teenage dance crazes of that more innocent and optimistic era. Surfing symbolised a new sense of freedom. Rock & Roll ruled, but the sex and drugs of the late Sixties were yet to come. Vietnam, Woodstock, and Watergate are also still in the future.

 

The beginnings of change were already apparent, with things like traditional sex roles being questioned. In the show, we see a group of young people, their school days over, enjoying perhaps their last summer together. They are on the threshold of adulthood, dealing with their first romantic relationships and facing critical decisions about their future. It is the story of a generation's hopes, dreams and apprehensions. At the same time is the story of the Gold Coast “ a beachside holiday venue destined to become an international tourist destination.

Genre: Musical Coming-of-Age Drama  

Setting: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia, 1960s  

 

Episode 1: Welcome to Paradise  

The series opens with a vibrant montage showcasing the surf culture, fashion, and music of 1960s Australia. Families arrive at the sandy camping grounds of Surfers Paradise for their annual summer holiday. Among them are local teens Sally, Suzy, Katie, and the boys—Andy, Paul, Tony, and Steve—collectively known as "The Members of the Board" due to their passion for surfing. 

 

An American family—the ambitious developer Lionel Bolton, his wife Beverley, and their son Todd—arrives with plans to build a luxury hotel and marina. Todd, feeling like an outsider due to frequent relocations, wanders into the local surf shop run by Max and his daughter Sandy. A humorous exchange unfolds as Todd and Sandy discuss the differences between Australian and American slang, sparking an immediate connection.  

 

**Key Moments:

- Introduction of main characters and the idyllic setting.  

- Todd and Sandy's first meeting and playful banter.  

- Tension is introduced between Lionel's development plans and the locals.  

 

**Songs:

- "Sun, Surf, and Sand" – A lively opening number highlighting the allure of Surfers Paradise.  

- "How Do You?" – The boys and girls express their uncertainties about connecting with the opposite sex.  

 

Episode 2: Riding the Waves  

As the teens settle in, budding romances and friendships start to form. The boys muster the courage to interact with the girls, resulting in comedic and heartfelt moments. Todd impresses the local surfers with his skills, earning their respect, while Sandy reveals her own surfing prowess, deepening her bond with Todd. Lionel continues to push forward with his development plans, oblivious to the community's attachment to the untouched beach. Max voices concerns about the proposed marina, highlighting the potential environmental impact.  

 

Key Moments: 

- Surfing sequences build camaraderie among the teens.  

- Todd and Sandy's relationship blossoms over shared interests.  

- Max learns of Todd's connection to the development, creating personal stakes.  

 

Songs:

- "I Can Fly" – Tod's exhilarating experience surfing the Australian waves.  

- "Speaking Australian" – A fun duet where Todd and Sandy navigate their cultural differences.  

 

Episode 3: Moonlit Melodies  

The annual beach dance brings everyone together under a starlit sky. Amidst music and laughter, romantic tensions rise. Todd and Sandy share a tender moment, nearly kissing under the moon, but are interrupted when Max discovers Todd's identity. Max forbids Tracy from seeing Todd, fearing that Lionel's plans will destroy their community. Meanwhile, Lionel and Beverley have a candid conversation about how his career places a strain on their family. The boys, attempting to liven up the party, spike the drinks, leading to unintended chaos and the event being shut down.  

 

Key Moments:

- The enchanting beach dance filled with '60s music and dance styles.  

- Max's confrontation with Todd escalates the central conflict.  

- Fallout from the spiked drinks creates rifts among friends.  

 

- "I Wanna See You Dance" – An upbeat number encouraging everyone to let loose at the party.  

- "Oh Moon" – A soulful ballad performed by Luana, underscoring the romantic atmosphere.  

 

Episode 4: Crossroads  

Synopsis:

Todd grapples with his father's expectations and his own desires. Feeling like an eternal outsider, he contemplates where he truly belongs. Sandy is torn between her feelings for Todd and her loyalty to her father. The teens decide to petition for a surfing event at the upcoming Surf Carnival, challenging traditional norms. Todd publicly challenges Bruce, the local surf lifesaving captain and the mayor's son, to include surfing in the carnival. This stirs up the community, pitting traditionalists against the progressive youth.  

 

Key Moments:

- Todd's introspective moments by the sea, questioning his path.  

- The community meeting where the surfing event is hotly debated.  

- Growing tensions between Todd and Lionel over differing values.  

 

Songs:  

- "Sea Song" – Todd's reflective solo expressing his inner turmoil.  

- "An Unbreakable Bond" – The boys reaffirm their friendship amidst changing times.  

 

Episode 5: The Surf Carnival  

The much-anticipated Surf Carnival begins, showcasing both lifesaving competitions and the newly added surfing event. Todd and Sandy both participate, demonstrating their skills. Bruce, feeling threatened, attempts to sabotage Todd by exaggerating the dangers of Australian waters. During the competition, a dramatic turn of events occurs when Todd's surfboard is struck by a shark. Bruce leads a daring rescue, saving Todd and earning newfound respect. The incident prompts Lionel to reevaluate his priorities, realizing the importance of family over business.  

 

Key Moments:  

- Thrilling surf competition sequences.  

- Bruce's heroic act bridges the gap between him and Todd.  

- Lionel has an epiphany about his relationship with his son.  

 

Songs:

- "Surfin' Down Under" – A high-energy song capturing the excitement of the carnival.  

- "A Hundred Things That Kill You (In Australia)" – A comedic song by Bruce and Greg.  

 

bottom of page