Global sensation Raygun’s legal team have dashed the hopes of an Aussie comedian who was getting ready to debut her new musical based on the breakdancer’s Olympic journey.
A trial show of ‘Breaking: The Musical’ written by and starring Steph Broadbridge was to go ahead at Kinselas in Darlinghurst, Sydney, at 7pm Saturday but has been cancelled after lawyers for Raygun, real name is Rachael Gunn, sent a cease and desist letter.
The 90-minute show follows Ms Gunn’s acceptance into and performance in the breakdancing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which launched her to viral fame with her bizarre moves including writhing on the ground like a snake and hopping like a kangaroo.
Ms Gunn’s lawyers threatened legal action against the venue and its promoter in order to protect their client’s ‘intellectual property’ and ensure ‘her brand remains strong and respected’.
‘While we have immense respect for the credible work and effort that has gone into the development of the show, we must take necessary steps to safeguard Rachael’s creative rights and the integrity of her work,’ representatives from Born Bred Talent said in a statement.
‘This action is not intended to diminish the contributions of others, but rather to ensure her brand is properly represented and protected in all future endeavours.’
Ms Broadbridge, a comedian and musician, confirmed the show wouldn’t go ahead on social media on Saturday morning saying that it had been ‘cancelled’.
‘They were… worried that I was damaging her brand, which I would never do… She doesn’t need me to do that,’ she said.
‘Breaking: The Musical’, a parody based on the rise of Olympic B-girl Raygun, was cancelled at the last minute after the real Raygun’s lawyers threatened legal action on Saturday
Raygun, real name Rachael Gunn, is represented by Born Bred Talent which said in a statement that the show threatened to hurt their client’s brand
Mr Broadbridge said representatives for Ms Gunn put an end to her show and even trademarked it’s promotional poster featuring herself posing as Raygun.
‘Raygun’s lawyers got in touch with the venue and threatened legal action so we will be refunding everyone their $10 or comp ticket back for that,’ she said.
‘Her lawyers trademarked my poster, which is flattering. I hope they do something fun with that.’
Ms Gunn’s lawyers had been concerned there might be some confusion that their client was involved in the production of the show, according to Ms Broadbridge.
Ms Gunn attempted to trademark ‘RAYGUN’ in August but the application remains under review as an ‘adverse report’ published in October effectively blocked the claim.
Ms Broadbridge clarified that Ms Gunn would not be involved with the production but extended her an invite should she want to take part going forward.
She was also told that she was not allowed to replicate one of Ms Gunn’s signature moves.
‘They said that I wasn’t allowed to do the dance because she owns the kangaroo dance.
‘That one did puzzle me. I mean that’s an Olympic-level dance, how would I possibly be able to do that without any formal break dancing training?’
Australian comedian and musician Steph Broadbridge (pictured), who was behind the production, confirmed her show’s cancellation on social media Saturday morning
The parody show was set to depict Ms Gunn’s rise to the Paris 2024 Olympics
In a seperate trademark filing Ms Gunn did manage to trademark a silhouette image of her performing the kangaroo dance which was accepted on November 15.
Coincidentally, the second trademark application was filed on the same day Ms Broadbridge first promoted her musical on September 25.
Going forward Ms Broadbridge confirmed she intends to still hold the show but will now change the name of her character to ‘Raigun’ in order to avoid any confusion.
Breaking: The Musical was originally billed as ‘a parody exploration of a breakdancer’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics’.
The script had contained songs called ‘You May Be a B-girl But You’ll Always Be an A-girl To Me’ and ‘I’m Breaking Down’ along with the intriguing ‘I Would Have Won But I Pulled a Muscle’.
What particularly stumped Ms Broadbridge over the threatened legal action was that Ms Gunn’s representatives had claimed to have copyrighted her iconic kangaroo dance
Ms Gunn’s management, Born Bred Talent, said the show came to their attention after it ’caused confusion among the public, potentially leading them to believe [the musical] had Rachael’s endorsement or approval’.
All proceeds from the event were set to be donated to the Women’s and Girl’s Emergency Center which helps disadvantaged women in Sydney’s inner city but will instead be refunded.
Ms Broadbridge said she intended to resume the show with adjustments in 2025.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Born Bred Talent and Steph Broadbridge for comment.
