The Australian entertainment icon got her start at a talent quest in Tamworth, and she’s coming back to the Capitol Theatre for Christmas at the Capitol.

“One of the most memorable teaching experiences I had was in a place called Currabubula, not far from Tamworth,” she said.

“It was a one horse town, I don’t know if there’s two now – but I stayed with this lovely family and they kind of adopted me.”

Entering Tamworth’s Entertainer of the Year competition, she won the final and went on to live variety television like Hey Hey It’s Saturday from there.

“So the Tamworth club has a bit to answer for,” she said.

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“I’ve always used every opportunity to turn things into a positive, I do believe performance is in my blood.”

Burchmore will perform alongside the 2340 Big Band and a local dance school, with the big man Santa himself dropping in to say hello.

She’s shared the stage with huge talent like Geoffrey Rush and Mickey Rooney but is humbled to come back to Tamworth and encourage the next generation of performers.

“I hope they get a real buzz working with an old chook they can look up to and respect,” she said.​

“I want to encourage young talent.”

Christmas at the Capital is on at the Capitol Theatre December 9.

Visit capitoltheatretamworth.com.au.

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