Iconic pop hits from the Pop Squad

THE increasingly popular kids show Pop Squad is returning to Ballina and Tweed, paying tribute to three of the world’s most popular pop music icons, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa.

The Children’s Show ACE (Australian Club Entertainment) Award winners have continued to go from strength to strength, delivering unapologetically pure pop that brings the music, performances and costumes of global superstars to life through live vocals, choreography, glamour, and lighting and visual displays.

Beginning in early 2023, Pop Squad was conceived when seasoned singer Amanda Easton noticed that at her shows, which were typically geared towards adult audiences, both children and adults were enjoying pop songs by the same artists.

“Looking at what kind of live shows were around for kids, there didn’t seem to be many that incorporated Top 40 pop songs,” Easton said.

“I also know from way too many Thomas the Tank Engine movies when my son was little that it’s a bonus when a show can be enjoyed by the parents as much as the kids, so the idea was to put a show together with the current pop songs that kids love, while keeping it family friendly in terms of themes, language and costumes.

“The kids feel like they’re at the concert of their favourite pop stars, but the parents enjoy it too and feel comfortable that it’s appropriate for little ones.”

Easton said her early experience performing for children came through regular shows.

“I always love the enthusiasm and joy on their faces when they hear music they love,” she said.

“They’re often the first to dance and don’t have the inhibitions that adults do, and just react spontaneously and throw their bodies around to the music.

“Pop Squad takes that to another level, and it’s such a buzz performing for kids. We make the show interactive and spend time out in the crowd, dancing with the kids, and their faces light up.

“They’ll often form little lines behind us as we move through the audience, and there’s always a flood of hugs at the end. It’s one of the most joyful performing experiences you can have.”

Pop Squad features Easton in the role of Taylor Swift, Jo Elms as Katy Perry, and Georgia Lyons as Dua Lipa.

“I looked at the pop artists that kids love most, but also wanted to consider the kind of role models they were,” Easton said.

“Taylor, Katy and Dua all have great messages of empowerment and inclusion, and I’m a big fan of all three artists personally too.”

Audiences can expect to hear, see and dance to hits from the three megastars including Roar, Firework, Hot N Cold, Shake It Off, Blank Space, Anti-Hero, Levitating, Training Season and Dance the Night.

For tickets to the Ballina show on January 8, visit ballinarsl.com.au/event/the-pop-squad, and for Tweed on January 9, visit twintowns.com.au/events/pop-squad.