Acclaimed stage and screen star Lucy Durack is making a highly anticipated return to her home state this November to headline a spectacular cultural showcase for WA Day 2025. The Melbourne-based performer, a recent winner at the Western Australian of the Year Awards, will take to the stage as part of the innovative production OrchXstra, promising a celebration of local artistry.
A Homecoming for a West Australian Star
Lucy Durack, celebrated for her leading roles in smash-hit musicals like Wicked and Legally Blonde, never misses a chance to come back to Perth. Her connection to Western Australia runs deep, a bond that was formally recognised in June when she was honoured for her contributions to the arts at the 2025 Western Australian of the Year Awards.
This enduring link brings her home once more for a performance she describes as a "very cool undertaking." Durack will join forces with End of Fashion frontman Justin Burford for the OrchXstra event, set to be a highlight of the WA Day long weekend. The show is a unique fusion of the Perth Symphony Orchestra's strings, modern DJ beats, traditional bagpipes, and the deep resonance of the didgeridoo.
OrchXstra: A Fusion of Sound and Spirit
This WA-produced spectacle is designed to re-imagine a collection of iconic songs, ranging from local anthems to national and international classics. Audiences can look forward to hearing Durack put her own spin on a beloved Kylie Minogue hit.
Durack's enthusiasm for the project is palpable. "I don't know how I became so lucky to be part of this," she admitted. "It's going to be a musical masterpiece." The event underscores a year filled with meaningful returns to the state for the performer.
Celebrating Family and Community Across WA
Beyond the glitz of the main stage, Durack's connection to Western Australia is profoundly personal. She recently embarked on a regional tour in September, performing in towns like Moora, Harvey, Williams, and Beverly.
This journey held special significance as she was accompanied by her mother. Durack described the road trip as one of the greatest weeks of her life, coming less than a year after the passing of her father, who loved exploring on his motorcycle.
"The canola fields were blossoming and the theatres were all beautiful, and the community spirit is so amazing," she reflected. "And I got to see parts of WA that I hadn't seen before."
Her family's immigrant story from South Africa also fuels her appreciation for WA Day. She recalls her grandparents' immense gratitude for becoming Australian citizens, instilling in her the belief that they lived in "the greatest state in the world."
The WA Day weekend festivities, supported by the WA Government, Lotterywest, and BHP, will take place on November 22 and 23 at Burswood Park. The OrchXstra performance promises to be a powerful tribute to the talent and spirit that defines Western Australia.
