A LITTLE friendly rivalry never hurt anyone.

That’s one thing John St Peeters is certain of.

The Taylors Lakes resident is taking to the stage this month to bring a taste of Italy Down Under.

Mr St Peeters will be appearing in a concert paying homage to Italian and Greek cultures at Dallas Brooks Hall.

And he owes it all to a friendly jibe from an old friend.

A talented singer and songwriter, Mr St Peeters guest starred on long-time friend Vasili Kanidiadis’ SBS program, Vasili’s Garden, more than a year ago.

During the show, a joking remark from Mr Kanidiadis, a proud Greek, prompted Mr St Peeters to suggest they should hold a concert to unite Italian and Greek cultures.

“He was taking a stab at me so I said to him maybe we should organise a concert together,” Mr St. Peeters said.

“It was a bit of a challenge but I was just kidding around.

“I never expected anything to come of it but apparently, his show was inundated with calls and letters from people saying ‘why don’t you do it’.

“So, one and a half years down the track, we’re finally making it happen.”

Mr St Peeters visited Italy while his friend visited Greece to prepare for the show, collecting anecdotes and stories from people they met along the way.

The result is a mingling of cultures that Mr St Peeters describes as a first for Australian theatre.

“It’s partly a concert and partly a comedy show,” Mr St Peeters explained.

“It will be interesting who we get the biggest reaction from – the Greek or Italian crowds.”

Italy and Greece United in Concert will be performed at Dallas Brooks Hall in East Melbourne on 27 June.

For more information call 1300 627 374.