From Young Talent Time to centre stage: Joey Fimmano’s musical journey comes to Ballina

MORE than 40 years after becoming a household name on the beloved Australian TV show Young Talent Time, Joey Fimmano’s passion for performing is as strong as ever — perhaps even stronger.

The 57-year-old made his first appearance as a contestant on the iconic variety show, hosted by Johnny Young, in 1978 and appeared on and off over the next four years.

“I think everyone stopped and watched that show at 6pm on a Saturday night,” he said.”It was a great show – very, very unique. Nothing’s ever replaced it.”

Fimmano shared the spotlight with top-selling artist Tina Arena, with whom he still keeps in touch.

“Being both of Italian background I connected with her and her family,” he said. “We were both so young and she’s an amazing talent.”

Following his time on YTT, Fimmano studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has made a successful career on stage ever since. For nearly two decades, he performed on cruise ships across the globe, entertaining passengers from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.

“I learnt a lot working with different audiences around the world,” he said.

Eventually, though, the father of two opted to step away from international travel. For the past four years, he has been touring Music of the Night — a tribute to the music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and other West End classics. The show features timeless numbers from musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Jersey Boys and The Boy from Oz.

Music of the Night took home the 2025 Australian Club Entertainment Award for Production of the Year. Fimmano and his co-stars — Dexter Villahermosa (of Miss Saigon fame), soprano Michaela Hodgson and Katelyn Vella — also received the award for Club Performers of the Year.

“We all grew up with Andrew Lloyd Webber music when Phantom first came about,” Fimmano said. “I studied his music and grew a love for musical theatre. The melodies are absolutely beautiful, and the stories that the songs tell. We also mix in stories of our own journeys and career paths, so it’s a fusion of our storytelling as well. It’s quite personal.”

And Fimmano continues to strike a chord with YTT fans.

“That older demographic has so much nostalgia and they have such fond memories of the show,” he said. “Whenever I mention it the reaction is so positive.”

Music of the Night will take the stage at Ballina RSL at 2pm on Sunday August 24.

For more information or tickets, visit ballinarsl.com.au/event/music-of-the-night