In a Venn diagram where the overlap is ‘people defying expectations‘, ‘aunties‘, ‘the power of the arts‘ and the legend ‘John Farnham‘, I, in my husbands words “did not stand a chance”.

I am bawling. This is Going to Be Big is a two-part doco showing on the ABC (and elsewhere) about a group of teenagers who put on a play. The guts of the play is fun, there’s some time travel involved, some music (Farnham’s) but what is most incredible is seeing a group of kids with various disabilities challenge their fears and find community in the arts.

Over six months they rehearse under the tutelage of two incredible teachers and one very handy and heartwarming stage production volunteer. In the end? The teens will perform their show for their loved ones and community. Of course, throughout, there’s challenges, and — normal for kids with disabilities — even a hospitalisation.

But they keep showing up, and the beaming faces of their parents when they do is a dopamine boost that will last me for days. The last few minutes of the show come to a climax where one of the teenagers sings in honour of her aunty who has passed away. 

Kablammo! I’m out!

Aunties are a tender spot for me and I began to weep long before Halle had opened her mouth to sing. But (spoiler alert) sing she does, Halle delivers a belting, heartfelt rendition of Farnham’s ‘You’re the Voice’ — one of Australia’s most beloved anthems. Chills!

I know what it feels like to ride on the wings of angels and I could see in her face that Halle felt it too. 

What a great doco, team. Ten stars. If you want to feel joy, you’ll find it in buckets here; This is Going to Be Big, ABC and also on Netflix

Thanks sharing your show, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School (SMRSS).