Meet Our CEO
John Van Grinsven
Johnny Van Grinsven is an industry name that has become synonymous with tribute entertainment across the globe. Born in New Zealand, Johnny was drawn to music early and began to study classically from the age of twelve.
As the inescapable energy of the 70’s hit New Zealand, Johnny was entranced and soon traded in the classics for a bass guitar, forming a band and touring nationally. As the sound of 70’s disco began to be drowned out by the roar of 80’s rock, Johnny established himself within the broadcasting industry as a radio DJ, bringing the best of new and exciting international music to the airways. Johnny’s experiences during this time have inspired and shaped the Showtime company to recreate and re-stage the classics to a standard of excellence.
After moving to Australia to establish Showtime Management, Johnny began work on the company’s core show, The ABBA Show. From the first tour, industry professionals and critics alike noted and praised Johnny’s keen eye for talent and his dedication to authenticity.
When approaching the creation phase of a show, Johnny’s process is cemented in research, everything from costumes to set design and era correct instruments are curated, restored and reimagined to create the illusion of authenticity.
Belief is the backbone of every performance, the belief of what we are creating, the belief of the performer becoming that icon, the belief of the sound we are creating and above all the belief of the audience who see their idols brought back to life night after night in front of their eyes.
The Showtime Story
Keeping the Music Alive for over 45 years
Beginning as an artist management company in New Zealand in 1979, Showtime evolved into a multi-faceted entertainment business that now develops original tribute shows from concept through to touring and performance.
By 2001 Johnny had set his eyes on the international market and began work on a show that would establish Showtime as the world leaders in Tribute entertainment.
Queen: It’s A Kind Of Magic launched in 2002, directed by Johnny the shows commitment to capturing the sight, sound and energy of a Queen concert attracted the attention of the industry and entertained audiences with sold out tours of Australia, Europe, Asia and North America. This laid the foundations for what is now the Showtime repertoire.
Over the next five years Showtime expanded globally, establishing offices in South Africa and Las Vegas and creating new live experiences such as Beatlemania On Tour, Michael Jackson HIStory Show, The Bee Gees Night Fever and now the monumental staging of The Greatest Love of All starring Belinda Davids.
Now, with over 45 years experience in the business and over 10,000 shows in 22 countries, Johnny is a renowned director and producer with praise from critics, musicians and those closest the stars themselves.
Showtime now employs over 50 musicians, artists and crew in the creation of these live events and is proudly a family company with Johnny’s son Jon Van Grinsven Jnr joining the company as Technical Director and his daughter Clasina Van Grinsven as Dance Captain.
As the years move ahead and the great musical acts of yesteryear pass on, Showtime strives to keep the music alive forever.
Showtime ShowsFAQs
What does Showtime do?
The Showtime Australia Group is a group of international companies who produce, promote and tour live concerts, specialising in world-class tribute shows.
Where is Showtime based?
Our Global Head Office is based on the sunny Gold Coast, in Queensland Australia, but our companies operate in multiple regions including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa and Asia.
Our shows and artists tour worldwide. We accept booking enquiries from all countries.
What shows does Showtime represent?
Showtime represents the best tribute shows and artists in the world, including:
- The Greatest Love of All starring Belinda Davids
- Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic
- The Michael Jackson HIStory Show
- THE UNOFFICIAL TRIBUTE SHOW – TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music
- Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA
- TINA The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
- The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond
- Beatlemania On Tour
- 1999 The Ultimate Prince Experience
- The Bee Gees Night Fever
- Hotel California The Eagles Experience
… with more to come!
How can I book tickets to a Showtime show?
For a list of all our current shows, upcoming tour dates and links to buy tickets, please CLICK HERE.
How can I book a Showtime show for my venue or event?
Venue, promoter and buyer enquiries can be directed to: sales@showtime.net.au.
