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Peter Eyers

stagespodcastpete@gmail.com

STAGES Episode 589: MAGGIE DENCE Pt1

<p>Maggie Dence is a celebrated Australian actress whose career has spanned more than six decades across stage, film and television. She is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her versatility, warmth and enduring contributions to the performing arts.</p><p>Dence’s passion for performance was evident from a young age. She made her stage debut at just sixteen, beginning a professional journey that would see her become one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected performers. Training at the Independent Theatre with Doris Fitton ignited a passion that has never faded.</p><p>Her early break came with the satirical sketch series <em>The Mavis Bramston Show</em> in the 1960s, a groundbreaking program that reshaped Australian television comedy. The series established Dence as a dynamic talent with a flair for characterisation and comic timing, qualities that would underpin her long career.</p><p>Her screen presence grew with roles in some of Australia’s most iconic film and television productions. On film, she appeared in Ted Kotcheff’s <em>Wake in Fright</em>, now regarded as one of the most significant works in Australian cinema. On television, she became a household name through a string of popular dramas and serials. She was seen as Rose Sullivan in the beloved wartime series <em>The Sullivans</em>, and later as Bev Baker in <em>Prisoner</em>, where her nuanced performance enriched one of the country’s most enduring cult classics. In <em>Neighbours</em>, she charmed audiences as Dorothy Burke, the cultured, eccentric school principal, further cementing her place in the national consciousness. Other television appearances included guest roles in <em>A Country Practice</em> and other long-running staples of the small screen.</p><p>She has worked on the stages of many companies around the country in productions as diverse as Shakespeare, Chekhov, Williamson; classical, contemporary and comic. Noises Off, Away, Marjorie Prime, Mongrels, The Shoe-Horn Sonata, The One Day of the Year and Steel Magnolias encompass just a few of her triumphs.</p><p>Alongside her stage and screen work, Dence has given generously to the arts community. She has been a committed supporter of the Actors Benevolent Fund, contributing her time and profile to an organisation dedicated to assisting fellow performers in need. This philanthropic work reflects her deep sense of care for the profession and those who share it.</p><p>Her remarkable career has been acknowledged with significant honours. Dence was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to the performing arts, and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance awarded her an Equity Lifetime Achievement Award – a fitting tribute to a career defined by longevity, excellence and generosity of spirit.</p><p>From her early days in comedy to her iconic soap roles, her film appearances and her theatrical endeavours, Maggie Dence has been a constant and cherished presence in Australian entertainment. With a career built on talent, resilience and passion, she has left an indelible mark on the stage and screen, while also giving back to the community that supported her.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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Peter Eyers

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:00:00 GMT

<p>Maggie Dence is a celebrated Australian actress whose career has spanned more than six decades across stage, film and television. She is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her versatility, warmth and enduring contributions to the performing arts.</p><p>Dence’s passion for performance was evident from a young age. She made her stage debut at just sixteen, beginning a professional journey that would see her become one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected performers. Training at the Independent Theatre with Doris Fitton ignited a passion that has never faded.</p><p>Her early break came with the satirical sketch series <em>The Mavis Bramston Show</em> in the 1960s, a groundbreaking program that reshaped Australian television comedy. The series established Dence as a dynamic talent with a flair for characterisation and comic timing, qualities that would underpin her long career.</p><p>Her screen presence grew with roles in some of Australia’s most iconic film and television productions. On film, she appeared in Ted Kotcheff’s <em>Wake in Fright</em>, now regarded as one of the most significant works in Australian cinema. On television, she became a household name through a string of popular dramas and serials. She was seen as Rose Sullivan in the beloved wartime series <em>The Sullivans</em>, and later as Bev Baker in <em>Prisoner</em>, where her nuanced performance enriched one of the country’s most enduring cult classics. In <em>Neighbours</em>, she charmed audiences as Dorothy Burke, the cultured, eccentric school principal, further cementing her place in the national consciousness. Other television appearances included guest roles in <em>A Country Practice</em> and other long-running staples of the small screen.</p><p>She has worked on the stages of many companies around the country in productions as diverse as Shakespeare, Chekhov, Williamson; classical, contemporary and comic. Noises Off, Away, Marjorie Prime, Mongrels, The Shoe-Horn Sonata, The One Day of the Year and Steel Magnolias encompass just a few of her triumphs.</p><p>Alongside her stage and screen work, Dence has given generously to the arts community. She has been a committed supporter of the Actors Benevolent Fund, contributing her time and profile to an organisation dedicated to assisting fellow performers in need. This philanthropic work reflects her deep sense of care for the profession and those who share it.</p><p>Her remarkable career has been acknowledged with significant honours. Dence was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to the performing arts, and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance awarded her an Equity Lifetime Achievement Award – a fitting tribute to a career defined by longevity, excellence and generosity of spirit.</p><p>From her early days in comedy to her iconic soap roles, her film appearances and her theatrical endeavours, Maggie Dence has been a constant and cherished presence in Australian entertainment. With a career built on talent, resilience and passion, she has left an indelible mark on the stage and screen, while also giving back to the community that supported her.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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STAGES Episode 588: PAUL WHITE

<p>Paul White studied classical piano at The University of Adelaide with Dr Graham Williams, graduating B.Mus with Honours (Performance) followed by Dip. Jazz Performance. Conducting study began in New York with Broadway legend Gordon Harrell, then continued in Melbourne with the distinguished Romanian conductor, Robert Rosen. This juxtaposition of classical and commercially oriented study enabled Paul to build his career in a variety of musical and theatrical genres.</p><p>He has been involved with many of the landmark music theatre productions of the last 35 years, notably playing and conducting <strong>42ND STREET </strong>(Helen Montague), <strong>WEST SIDE STORY </strong>(Victoria State Opera), <strong>LES MISERABLES </strong>(original Australia/New Zealand tour and Asia/Africa tour – Cameron Mackintosh), <strong>MY FAIR LADY </strong>(Victoria State Opera), <strong>WE WILL ROCK YOU </strong>in Tokyo (Louise Withers), <strong>MATILDA </strong>Australasian tour (Louise Withers, RSC), and The Australian Ballet’s magnificent production of <strong>AN AMERICAN IN PARIS </strong>(GWB/TAB).</p><p>He was Musical Director of <strong>A CHORUS LINE </strong>directed by Baayork Lee (TML Enterprises), <strong>OLIVER! </strong>(Cameron Mackintosh, IMG), <strong>ANNIE </strong>(Macks Entertainment, GFO), <strong>CHICAGO </strong>(IMG), <strong>GREASE </strong>(GFO), and <strong>GREASE – THE ARENA SPECTACULAR </strong>(SEL, GFO).</p><p>Other highlights include, repetiteur for an extraordinary production of <strong>MISS SAIGON </strong>in Manila, starring Lea Salonga (Cameron Mackintosh), a lovely association with The Production Company, working on <strong>THE BOY FROM OZ, LAZARUS </strong>and <strong>THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, </strong>and several University productions at WAAPA, the Hong Kong APA, and the VCA.</p><p>He has also worked as Pianist/MD with such celebrated artists as Ricky May, Michael Crawford, Danny La Rue, Caroline O’Connor, Toni Lamond, Todd McKenney, Michael Cormick, Rob Guest, Julie Anthony and Simon Gallaher.</p><p>For many years Paul had a close association with the Really Useful Company Asia Pacific on their productions throughout the world, and was Musical Director for several productions of <strong>CATS</strong>, including tours with Lea Salonga and Delta Goodrem, and <strong>THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER </strong>concert tours. </p><p>Paul is presently on tour with the feline juggernaut CATS, for it’s 40th Australian Anniversary tour and is understandably thrilled to be back with his beloved Cats!</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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Peter Eyers

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 18:00:00 GMT

<p>Paul White studied classical piano at The University of Adelaide with Dr Graham Williams, graduating B.Mus with Honours (Performance) followed by Dip. Jazz Performance. Conducting study began in New York with Broadway legend Gordon Harrell, then continued in Melbourne with the distinguished Romanian conductor, Robert Rosen. This juxtaposition of classical and commercially oriented study enabled Paul to build his career in a variety of musical and theatrical genres.</p><p>He has been involved with many of the landmark music theatre productions of the last 35 years, notably playing and conducting <strong>42ND STREET </strong>(Helen Montague), <strong>WEST SIDE STORY </strong>(Victoria State Opera), <strong>LES MISERABLES </strong>(original Australia/New Zealand tour and Asia/Africa tour – Cameron Mackintosh), <strong>MY FAIR LADY </strong>(Victoria State Opera), <strong>WE WILL ROCK YOU </strong>in Tokyo (Louise Withers), <strong>MATILDA </strong>Australasian tour (Louise Withers, RSC), and The Australian Ballet’s magnificent production of <strong>AN AMERICAN IN PARIS </strong>(GWB/TAB).</p><p>He was Musical Director of <strong>A CHORUS LINE </strong>directed by Baayork Lee (TML Enterprises), <strong>OLIVER! </strong>(Cameron Mackintosh, IMG), <strong>ANNIE </strong>(Macks Entertainment, GFO), <strong>CHICAGO </strong>(IMG), <strong>GREASE </strong>(GFO), and <strong>GREASE – THE ARENA SPECTACULAR </strong>(SEL, GFO).</p><p>Other highlights include, repetiteur for an extraordinary production of <strong>MISS SAIGON </strong>in Manila, starring Lea Salonga (Cameron Mackintosh), a lovely association with The Production Company, working on <strong>THE BOY FROM OZ, LAZARUS </strong>and <strong>THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, </strong>and several University productions at WAAPA, the Hong Kong APA, and the VCA.</p><p>He has also worked as Pianist/MD with such celebrated artists as Ricky May, Michael Crawford, Danny La Rue, Caroline O’Connor, Toni Lamond, Todd McKenney, Michael Cormick, Rob Guest, Julie Anthony and Simon Gallaher.</p><p>For many years Paul had a close association with the Really Useful Company Asia Pacific on their productions throughout the world, and was Musical Director for several productions of <strong>CATS</strong>, including tours with Lea Salonga and Delta Goodrem, and <strong>THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER </strong>concert tours. </p><p>Paul is presently on tour with the feline juggernaut CATS, for it’s 40th Australian Anniversary tour and is understandably thrilled to be back with his beloved Cats!</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:48:37

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STAGES Episode 587: VIDYA MAKAN

<p>Vidya Makan grew up in Brisbane spending most of her time on the football (soccer) field with dreams of one day becoming a Matilda. However, at the age of 14 after playing flower girl number 3 in her high-school production of <em>My Fair Lady</em>, Vidya decided to take on a much more realistic and stable path and made the wise decision to lead a life in showbiz.</p><p>Having learnt to read music at the age of three (before she was able to read English) she is also a cellist and highly skilled pianist. She is a proud graduate of The Bachelor of Musical Theatre program at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, class of 2015. </p><p>Vidya is one of Australia&#39;s most exciting multi-hyphenates in the entertainment industry. As a leading lady, she has wowed audiences across the country through her powerful performances as Eliza in <em>Hamilton</em>, Catherine Parr in <em>SIX, </em>Ruby in <em>Bloom </em>and Dot/Marie in <em>Sunday In The Park With George </em>to name a few, all of which saw her nominated for major industry awards. In 2024 she featured on the ABC and Michael Cassel Group’s <em>A (Very) Musical Christmas, </em>and in 2023 she was a guest quiz master on Channel 10’s <em>Have You Been Paying Attention. </em></p><p>Vidya is also a talented composer and lyricist of her own musicals. Her critically acclaimed debut original <em>The Lucky Country</em> opened to rave reviews in Sydney in 2023 and is being presented this October at Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre and then as part of the MELT festival in Brisbane. The original cast album will be released on all streaming platforms with Origin Music on August 14.</p><p>Vidya is currently in development with Queensland Theatre on a new original musical exploring the everyday lives of South Asian Australians working with collaborator Tasnim Hossain.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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Peter Eyers

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Vidya Makan grew up in Brisbane spending most of her time on the football (soccer) field with dreams of one day becoming a Matilda. However, at the age of 14 after playing flower girl number 3 in her high-school production of <em>My Fair Lady</em>, Vidya decided to take on a much more realistic and stable path and made the wise decision to lead a life in showbiz.</p><p>Having learnt to read music at the age of three (before she was able to read English) she is also a cellist and highly skilled pianist. She is a proud graduate of The Bachelor of Musical Theatre program at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, class of 2015. </p><p>Vidya is one of Australia&#39;s most exciting multi-hyphenates in the entertainment industry. As a leading lady, she has wowed audiences across the country through her powerful performances as Eliza in <em>Hamilton</em>, Catherine Parr in <em>SIX, </em>Ruby in <em>Bloom </em>and Dot/Marie in <em>Sunday In The Park With George </em>to name a few, all of which saw her nominated for major industry awards. In 2024 she featured on the ABC and Michael Cassel Group’s <em>A (Very) Musical Christmas, </em>and in 2023 she was a guest quiz master on Channel 10’s <em>Have You Been Paying Attention. </em></p><p>Vidya is also a talented composer and lyricist of her own musicals. Her critically acclaimed debut original <em>The Lucky Country</em> opened to rave reviews in Sydney in 2023 and is being presented this October at Melbourne Theatre Company’s Southbank Theatre and then as part of the MELT festival in Brisbane. The original cast album will be released on all streaming platforms with Origin Music on August 14.</p><p>Vidya is currently in development with Queensland Theatre on a new original musical exploring the everyday lives of South Asian Australians working with collaborator Tasnim Hossain.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:44:32

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STAGES Episode 586: PENNY MCNAMEE

<p>Penny McNamee is currently starring as Rachel in the smash hit - <em>MJ the Musical</em> at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.</p><p>Most recently Penny stared in Neil Simon’s <em>The Odd Couple</em> alongside Lucy Durack, Todd McKenney and Shane Jacobson for both the Sydney and Melbourne seasons to rave reviews. </p><p>She is a Green Room Award Winner for her role as Nessarose in the original Australian production of <em>WICKED </em>and has played leading roles in mainstage productions across the country, including Donna in the Griffin Theatre’s production of <em>Hurlybury</em>, Ella in <em>Bells are Ringing</em> for the Hayes Theatre Company, Alaura Kingsley in <em>City of Angels</em>, also for the Hayes Theatre Company and Jennifer in Cameron Mackintosh’s Australian production of the <em>Witches of Eastwick.</em></p><p>Penny’s international musical theatre credits include leading roles in <em>Daddy Long Legs</em> the musical and <em>Rocket Science</em> both staged in New York City.</p><p>Penny was a series regular for six years in the Seven Network’s hugely popular drama <em>Home and Away</em> in the role of Dr Tori Morgan, which saw her nominated for a Logie Award. </p><p>US television credits include Stephen King’s <em>Salem’s Lot</em> (CBS), Steven Spielberg’s <em>The Pacific</em> (HBO), <em>Political Animals</em> (USA), <em>Elementary</em> (CBS) and <em>Blue Bloods</em> (CBS).</p><p>Some of Penny’s other Australian television credits include roles in <em>White Collar Blue, All Saints, Headland</em> and Foxtel’s <em>Satisfaction.</em></p><p>Penny’s feature film credits include lead roles in the US feature film, <em>See No Evil</em> (Lionsgate) and John Duigan’s critically acclaimed Australian feature <em>Careless Love</em>.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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Peter Eyers

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Penny McNamee is currently starring as Rachel in the smash hit - <em>MJ the Musical</em> at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.</p><p>Most recently Penny stared in Neil Simon’s <em>The Odd Couple</em> alongside Lucy Durack, Todd McKenney and Shane Jacobson for both the Sydney and Melbourne seasons to rave reviews. </p><p>She is a Green Room Award Winner for her role as Nessarose in the original Australian production of <em>WICKED </em>and has played leading roles in mainstage productions across the country, including Donna in the Griffin Theatre’s production of <em>Hurlybury</em>, Ella in <em>Bells are Ringing</em> for the Hayes Theatre Company, Alaura Kingsley in <em>City of Angels</em>, also for the Hayes Theatre Company and Jennifer in Cameron Mackintosh’s Australian production of the <em>Witches of Eastwick.</em></p><p>Penny’s international musical theatre credits include leading roles in <em>Daddy Long Legs</em> the musical and <em>Rocket Science</em> both staged in New York City.</p><p>Penny was a series regular for six years in the Seven Network’s hugely popular drama <em>Home and Away</em> in the role of Dr Tori Morgan, which saw her nominated for a Logie Award. </p><p>US television credits include Stephen King’s <em>Salem’s Lot</em> (CBS), Steven Spielberg’s <em>The Pacific</em> (HBO), <em>Political Animals</em> (USA), <em>Elementary</em> (CBS) and <em>Blue Bloods</em> (CBS).</p><p>Some of Penny’s other Australian television credits include roles in <em>White Collar Blue, All Saints, Headland</em> and Foxtel’s <em>Satisfaction.</em></p><p>Penny’s feature film credits include lead roles in the US feature film, <em>See No Evil</em> (Lionsgate) and John Duigan’s critically acclaimed Australian feature <em>Careless Love</em>.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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STAGES Episode 585: STEVEN KRAMER

<p>Steven Kramer is a multi-faceted artist working as a music director, pianist, writer, composer, orchestrator, producer and cabaret performer.</p><p>He has been the Associate Musical Director for <strong>Disney’s Beauty and the Beast </strong>and previously served as the Assistant Musical Director for <strong>Chicago</strong> (GFO). A long-standing collaborator with the esteemed <em>Hayes Theatre Co</em> since its founding in 2014, his credits include <strong>Little Shop Of Horrors</strong>, <strong>Calamity Jane</strong>, <strong>Assassins</strong>,<strong> The Drowsy Chaperone</strong>, <strong>Rent</strong>, <strong>LOVEBiTES</strong>, <strong>She Loves Me</strong>, <strong>Side Show</strong>, <strong>Catch Me If You Can</strong> and <strong>Jekyll and Hyde</strong> for which he won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical Direction.</p><p>As a pianist he has performed with leading orchestras and renowned artists, including the <em>Sydney Symphony Orchestra</em>, <em>Paloma Faith</em>, <em>The City Recital Hall</em>, <em>Trevor Ashley</em> and <em>Kate Ceberano</em>, as well as in major commercial productions such as <strong>Mary Poppins</strong>, <strong>Frozen</strong>, <strong>Beautiful</strong> and <strong>The Sound Of Music</strong>.</p><p>Dedicated to championing new Australian work, Steven has contributed as an arranger and orchestrator to productions including <strong>The Dismissal </strong>(<em>Squabbalogic</em>),<strong> Zombie: The Musical</strong> (<em>Hayes Theatre Co</em>), <strong>Evie May</strong> (<em>Hayes Theatre Co</em>), <strong>The Secret Singer</strong> (<em>Darlinghurst</em>), <strong>Never Let Me Go</strong> (<em>Griffin</em>) and <strong>Nosferatutu</strong> (<em>Griffin</em>). He collaborated with <em>Courtney Act</em> to compose the opening number for the <strong>Sydney WorldPride Domain Concert</strong>, which was broadcast nationally on <em>ABC</em>.</p><p>As a writer and composer, his original musical <strong>Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical</strong> is set to premiere at <em>Hayes Theatre Co</em> in 2025. His award-winning one-man cabaret, <strong>I Sing Songs</strong>, has been performed across Australia, featuring his original compositions. He has also written original music for <strong>There&#39;s No One New Around You</strong> (<em>Keira Daley, Mark Simpson</em>), <strong>Neighbourhood Watch</strong> (<em>Illuminate Educate</em>) and <strong>In Stitches</strong> (<em>Alex Giles</em>), as well as a commissioned double concerto for saxophone, marimba and orchestra, performed by <em>Translucent Duo</em>.</p><p>Steven is the co-director and co-founder of <em>Curveball Creative</em>, the production company behind the critically acclaimed live-streamed musical <strong>Who’s Your Baghdaddy, or How I Started the Iraq War</strong>, which he also musically directed. The production received a Critic’s Pick from <em>The New York Times</em> and was streamed on <em>BroadwayHD</em>. <em>Curveball Creative</em> continues to produce innovative musical theatre, including <strong>Once On This Island</strong> at <em>Hayes Theatre Co</em>.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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Peter Eyers

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Steven Kramer is a multi-faceted artist working as a music director, pianist, writer, composer, orchestrator, producer and cabaret performer.</p><p>He has been the Associate Musical Director for <strong>Disney’s Beauty and the Beast </strong>and previously served as the Assistant Musical Director for <strong>Chicago</strong> (GFO). A long-standing collaborator with the esteemed <em>Hayes Theatre Co</em> since its founding in 2014, his credits include <strong>Little Shop Of Horrors</strong>, <strong>Calamity Jane</strong>, <strong>Assassins</strong>,<strong> The Drowsy Chaperone</strong>, <strong>Rent</strong>, <strong>LOVEBiTES</strong>, <strong>She Loves Me</strong>, <strong>Side Show</strong>, <strong>Catch Me If You Can</strong> and <strong>Jekyll and Hyde</strong> for which he won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Musical Direction.</p><p>As a pianist he has performed with leading orchestras and renowned artists, including the <em>Sydney Symphony Orchestra</em>, <em>Paloma Faith</em>, <em>The City Recital Hall</em>, <em>Trevor Ashley</em> and <em>Kate Ceberano</em>, as well as in major commercial productions such as <strong>Mary Poppins</strong>, <strong>Frozen</strong>, <strong>Beautiful</strong> and <strong>The Sound Of Music</strong>.</p><p>Dedicated to championing new Australian work, Steven has contributed as an arranger and orchestrator to productions including <strong>The Dismissal </strong>(<em>Squabbalogic</em>),<strong> Zombie: The Musical</strong> (<em>Hayes Theatre Co</em>), <strong>Evie May</strong> (<em>Hayes Theatre Co</em>), <strong>The Secret Singer</strong> (<em>Darlinghurst</em>), <strong>Never Let Me Go</strong> (<em>Griffin</em>) and <strong>Nosferatutu</strong> (<em>Griffin</em>). He collaborated with <em>Courtney Act</em> to compose the opening number for the <strong>Sydney WorldPride Domain Concert</strong>, which was broadcast nationally on <em>ABC</em>.</p><p>As a writer and composer, his original musical <strong>Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical</strong> is set to premiere at <em>Hayes Theatre Co</em> in 2025. His award-winning one-man cabaret, <strong>I Sing Songs</strong>, has been performed across Australia, featuring his original compositions. He has also written original music for <strong>There&#39;s No One New Around You</strong> (<em>Keira Daley, Mark Simpson</em>), <strong>Neighbourhood Watch</strong> (<em>Illuminate Educate</em>) and <strong>In Stitches</strong> (<em>Alex Giles</em>), as well as a commissioned double concerto for saxophone, marimba and orchestra, performed by <em>Translucent Duo</em>.</p><p>Steven is the co-director and co-founder of <em>Curveball Creative</em>, the production company behind the critically acclaimed live-streamed musical <strong>Who’s Your Baghdaddy, or How I Started the Iraq War</strong>, which he also musically directed. The production received a Critic’s Pick from <em>The New York Times</em> and was streamed on <em>BroadwayHD</em>. <em>Curveball Creative</em> continues to produce innovative musical theatre, including <strong>Once On This Island</strong> at <em>Hayes Theatre Co</em>.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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STAGES Episode 584: TRICIA PAOLUCCIO

<p>Tricia Paoluccio is a multifaceted actor, distinctive visual artist, and dynamic creator whose talents flourished in remarkable ways during the pandemic. Two of her lifelong passions—performance and visual art—took center stage, leading to transformative projects.</p><p>She co-wrote and stars in <em>Here You Come Again</em>, a heartfelt two-person musical comedy in which she portrays her lifelong idol, Dolly Parton. With Dolly’s personal endorsement, the production was granted global grand rights to feature her iconic music.</p><p>Following a successful U.S. tour in 2023, the show captivated audiences across 30 cities in the UK, selling out performances and earning critical acclaim. Currently, the production is delighting London audiences at Riverside Studios before embarking on a major tour of Australia and New Zealand.</p><p>Tricia’s performance has earned her a nomination for Best Leading Performer in a Musical, while the show itself is up for Best New Musical at the 2024 Broadway World UK/West End Awards.</p><p>As a visual artist, Tricia’s passion for flower pressing has led to high-profile collaborations, creating botanical designs for luminaries in the fashion, publishing, and music industries.  Her collaboration with Oscar de la Renta resulted in Taylor Swift’s iconic pressed flower dress at the Grammys and Anna Wintour wearing her art to the Met Gala. The viral success of these creations led to Tricia launching her brand: Domain of the Flowerings which features pressed flower imagery in high design. </p><p>Raised on an almond farm in Modesto, CA, by an inventor father and a school teacher mother, Tricia moved to NYC where she initially sold her art on the street while pursuing her acting career. </p><p>Since making her Broadway debut as Catherine in Arthur Miller’s <em>A View from the Bridge</em>, she has worked consistently in New York theatre on Broadway and off, in television and film. Her varied stage work ranges from playing Cressida in Sir Peter Hall’s <em>Troilus and Cressida</em> to originating the role of Donna in the cult Off-Broadway comedy hit <em>Debbie Does Dallas</em>, to co-starring in the inaugural production of Edward Albee’s <em>Lady from Dubuque</em> at the Signature Theatre, to playing Chava in David Leveaux’s Broadway revival of <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em>. Recent tv credits include recurring roles on <em>Saint X</em> and <em>Law and Order: SVU.</em></p><p>As a creator, Tricia developed, produced and starred in the cringe comedy web series, Mommy Blogger, a satire of influencer culture, which was later optioned and retitled LIKE ME. </p><p><em>Here You Come Again</em> is currently playing the the Theatre Royal in Sydney and will then continue an Australian tour.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

c6452842-1b11-490d-a51c-67ec0ff769d1

Peter Eyers

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Tricia Paoluccio is a multifaceted actor, distinctive visual artist, and dynamic creator whose talents flourished in remarkable ways during the pandemic. Two of her lifelong passions—performance and visual art—took center stage, leading to transformative projects.</p><p>She co-wrote and stars in <em>Here You Come Again</em>, a heartfelt two-person musical comedy in which she portrays her lifelong idol, Dolly Parton. With Dolly’s personal endorsement, the production was granted global grand rights to feature her iconic music.</p><p>Following a successful U.S. tour in 2023, the show captivated audiences across 30 cities in the UK, selling out performances and earning critical acclaim. Currently, the production is delighting London audiences at Riverside Studios before embarking on a major tour of Australia and New Zealand.</p><p>Tricia’s performance has earned her a nomination for Best Leading Performer in a Musical, while the show itself is up for Best New Musical at the 2024 Broadway World UK/West End Awards.</p><p>As a visual artist, Tricia’s passion for flower pressing has led to high-profile collaborations, creating botanical designs for luminaries in the fashion, publishing, and music industries.  Her collaboration with Oscar de la Renta resulted in Taylor Swift’s iconic pressed flower dress at the Grammys and Anna Wintour wearing her art to the Met Gala. The viral success of these creations led to Tricia launching her brand: Domain of the Flowerings which features pressed flower imagery in high design. </p><p>Raised on an almond farm in Modesto, CA, by an inventor father and a school teacher mother, Tricia moved to NYC where she initially sold her art on the street while pursuing her acting career. </p><p>Since making her Broadway debut as Catherine in Arthur Miller’s <em>A View from the Bridge</em>, she has worked consistently in New York theatre on Broadway and off, in television and film. Her varied stage work ranges from playing Cressida in Sir Peter Hall’s <em>Troilus and Cressida</em> to originating the role of Donna in the cult Off-Broadway comedy hit <em>Debbie Does Dallas</em>, to co-starring in the inaugural production of Edward Albee’s <em>Lady from Dubuque</em> at the Signature Theatre, to playing Chava in David Leveaux’s Broadway revival of <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em>. Recent tv credits include recurring roles on <em>Saint X</em> and <em>Law and Order: SVU.</em></p><p>As a creator, Tricia developed, produced and starred in the cringe comedy web series, Mommy Blogger, a satire of influencer culture, which was later optioned and retitled LIKE ME. </p><p><em>Here You Come Again</em> is currently playing the the Theatre Royal in Sydney and will then continue an Australian tour.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:38:32

584

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STAGES Episode 583: TARA MORICE

<p>A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Tara Morice has worked extensively in theatre, film and television for over 30 years.</p><p>Her first film out of NIDA was Baz Luhrmann’s <em>Strictly Ballroom</em>, for which she was nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award, an Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award and a Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress. </p><p>She has also appeared in <em>Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway</em>, <em>Dance Academy: The Movie</em>, <em>Oranges and Sunshine</em>, <em>Razzle Dazzle: A Journey into Dance</em>, <em>Candy</em>, <em>Hildegarde</em>, <em>Moulin Rouge!</em>, <em>Hotel Sorrento</em>, <em>Metal Skin</em>, <em>Carmen </em>and the Oscar-nominated short <em>Miracle Fish</em>. Tara can most recently be seen in <em>The Moogai</em> and <em>Nugget Is Dead</em>, and will next appear in Rebel Wilson’s <em>The Deb</em>.</p><p>Her television credits include the award-winning teen series <em>Dance Academy</em>, as well as <em>Answered by Fire</em>, <em>McLeod’s Daughters</em>, <em>Salem’s Lot</em>, <em>After the Deluge</em>, <em>Dogwoman</em> and <em>Play School</em>.</p><p>On stage, Tara has performed in many productions for the Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, Griffin, the Ensemble, Queensland Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre and the State Theatre Company of South Australia. She has been nominated for her work in musical theatre with a Victorian Green Room Award for <em>The Venetian Twins</em> and a Helpmann Award for <em>Fat Swan</em>.</p><p>Tara wrote and directed the documentary <em>My Biggest Fan</em>, which premiered at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and screened on SBS.</p><p>As a singer, Tara recorded <em>Time After Time</em> with Mark Williams for the <em>Strictly Ballroom</em> soundtrack, and a new solo version for Baz Luhrmann’s album <em>Something for Everybody</em>.</p><p>In September she returns to the stage in a brand new production of <em>Menopause The Musical</em> - playing The State Theatre in Sydney.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

21780a4b-c600-4d6b-ab97-0be9e3ea2e34

Peter Eyers

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Tara Morice has worked extensively in theatre, film and television for over 30 years.</p><p>Her first film out of NIDA was Baz Luhrmann’s <em>Strictly Ballroom</em>, for which she was nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award, an Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award and a Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress. </p><p>She has also appeared in <em>Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway</em>, <em>Dance Academy: The Movie</em>, <em>Oranges and Sunshine</em>, <em>Razzle Dazzle: A Journey into Dance</em>, <em>Candy</em>, <em>Hildegarde</em>, <em>Moulin Rouge!</em>, <em>Hotel Sorrento</em>, <em>Metal Skin</em>, <em>Carmen </em>and the Oscar-nominated short <em>Miracle Fish</em>. Tara can most recently be seen in <em>The Moogai</em> and <em>Nugget Is Dead</em>, and will next appear in Rebel Wilson’s <em>The Deb</em>.</p><p>Her television credits include the award-winning teen series <em>Dance Academy</em>, as well as <em>Answered by Fire</em>, <em>McLeod’s Daughters</em>, <em>Salem’s Lot</em>, <em>After the Deluge</em>, <em>Dogwoman</em> and <em>Play School</em>.</p><p>On stage, Tara has performed in many productions for the Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, Griffin, the Ensemble, Queensland Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre and the State Theatre Company of South Australia. She has been nominated for her work in musical theatre with a Victorian Green Room Award for <em>The Venetian Twins</em> and a Helpmann Award for <em>Fat Swan</em>.</p><p>Tara wrote and directed the documentary <em>My Biggest Fan</em>, which premiered at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and screened on SBS.</p><p>As a singer, Tara recorded <em>Time After Time</em> with Mark Williams for the <em>Strictly Ballroom</em> soundtrack, and a new solo version for Baz Luhrmann’s album <em>Something for Everybody</em>.</p><p>In September she returns to the stage in a brand new production of <em>Menopause The Musical</em> - playing The State Theatre in Sydney.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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01:04:22

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STAGES Episode 582: ALEXIS FISHMAN

<p>Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Alexis Fishman is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She was nominated for a Helpmann Award for her performance as &#39;Young Dusty&#39; in <em>Dusty</em>, her first show after graduating. Alexis then went on to star in some of Australia’s biggest musicals including <em>Shout!</em> and the award winning Sydney premiere of <em>Kiss of The Spiderwoman</em>. Other Australian credits include <em>Urinetown, Closer, Troupers, </em>as well as plays at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Monkey Baa Theatre Company. </p><p>Alexis is the creator of six solo cabaret shows including the award winning <em>Club Gelbe Stern</em> which made it’s US debut at NYMF where Alexis was awarded ‘Outstanding Individual Performance’. Other shows have been performed across Australia at the Adelaide and Melbourne Cabaret Festivals, Shir Madness Jewish Music Festival, The Reginald Theatre, The Sound Lounge, Chapel Off Chapel, Sydney Jewish Museum, Ginger’s at the Oxford Hotel and Claire’s Kitchen. In New York, Alexis’ shows have been seen at 54 Below, City Winery, Pangea, The Triad, JCC Manhattan and Laurie Beechman Theatre as well as in New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut and Florida. </p><p>Most recently, Alexis was seen off-Broadway as Anne Frank in <em>Anne Being Frank</em> by Ron Elisha. The production garnered two Broadway World Awards, for Best Solo Performance and Best off-Broadway production. </p><p>Alexis holds a Masters in International Relations from Deakin University and was honoured to sing for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Iraq war. Her personal essays have been published in two books, <em>God, Faith and Identity in the Ashes</em>, and the <em>i&#39;Mpossible Project&#39;s Lemonade Stand.</em> </p><p>Alexis has coached Cabaret workshops for Broadway Weekends, Actors Equity Australia and the Sydney Cabaret Showcase. She also sees private clients.  </p><p>In September, Alexis brings her celebrated turn in <em>Anne Being Frank </em>by Ron Elisha, to the stage at the Sydney Opera House.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

1b5e1a68-aa67-4ff4-9643-af2ebfc7e4c1

Peter Eyers

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Alexis Fishman is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She was nominated for a Helpmann Award for her performance as &#39;Young Dusty&#39; in <em>Dusty</em>, her first show after graduating. Alexis then went on to star in some of Australia’s biggest musicals including <em>Shout!</em> and the award winning Sydney premiere of <em>Kiss of The Spiderwoman</em>. Other Australian credits include <em>Urinetown, Closer, Troupers, </em>as well as plays at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Monkey Baa Theatre Company. </p><p>Alexis is the creator of six solo cabaret shows including the award winning <em>Club Gelbe Stern</em> which made it’s US debut at NYMF where Alexis was awarded ‘Outstanding Individual Performance’. Other shows have been performed across Australia at the Adelaide and Melbourne Cabaret Festivals, Shir Madness Jewish Music Festival, The Reginald Theatre, The Sound Lounge, Chapel Off Chapel, Sydney Jewish Museum, Ginger’s at the Oxford Hotel and Claire’s Kitchen. In New York, Alexis’ shows have been seen at 54 Below, City Winery, Pangea, The Triad, JCC Manhattan and Laurie Beechman Theatre as well as in New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut and Florida. </p><p>Most recently, Alexis was seen off-Broadway as Anne Frank in <em>Anne Being Frank</em> by Ron Elisha. The production garnered two Broadway World Awards, for Best Solo Performance and Best off-Broadway production. </p><p>Alexis holds a Masters in International Relations from Deakin University and was honoured to sing for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Iraq war. Her personal essays have been published in two books, <em>God, Faith and Identity in the Ashes</em>, and the <em>i&#39;Mpossible Project&#39;s Lemonade Stand.</em> </p><p>Alexis has coached Cabaret workshops for Broadway Weekends, Actors Equity Australia and the Sydney Cabaret Showcase. She also sees private clients.  </p><p>In September, Alexis brings her celebrated turn in <em>Anne Being Frank </em>by Ron Elisha, to the stage at the Sydney Opera House.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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STAGES Episode 581: NONI HAZLEHURST

<p>Noni Hazlehurst recently returned to the stage with <em>MOTHER </em> at the Arts Centre in Melbourne. Her autobiography <em>Dropping the Mask</em> was released in October 2024.</p><p>Noni played the role of Miss Cartwright in the feature film <em>Ladies in Black </em>for which she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2018 ACCTA Awards.</p><p>Noni completed filming on <em>A Place to Call Home, </em>the final series screening in 2018.</p><p>She has completed a second sell-out tour of the one woman play,<em> MOTHER</em> and the role of Mag in the Sydney Theatre Company production of <em>The Beauty Queen of Leenane</em>, both to excellent reviews.  She reprised <em>MOTHER i</em>n Queensland in 2020.</p><p>Most recent television and film work includes: Long Story Short, June Again, The End, A Place to Call Home, Truth, and Redfern Now.</p><p>In 2016 Noni was inducted into the TV Week Logie ‘Hall of Fame’.</p><p>In September she is back on the boards in the world premiere season of Daniel Keen’s <em>LARK </em>at the Melbourne Arts Centre.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

1fa6662e-54a1-4645-9f1c-edf607ebf05a

Peter Eyers

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Noni Hazlehurst recently returned to the stage with <em>MOTHER </em> at the Arts Centre in Melbourne. Her autobiography <em>Dropping the Mask</em> was released in October 2024.</p><p>Noni played the role of Miss Cartwright in the feature film <em>Ladies in Black </em>for which she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2018 ACCTA Awards.</p><p>Noni completed filming on <em>A Place to Call Home, </em>the final series screening in 2018.</p><p>She has completed a second sell-out tour of the one woman play,<em> MOTHER</em> and the role of Mag in the Sydney Theatre Company production of <em>The Beauty Queen of Leenane</em>, both to excellent reviews.  She reprised <em>MOTHER i</em>n Queensland in 2020.</p><p>Most recent television and film work includes: Long Story Short, June Again, The End, A Place to Call Home, Truth, and Redfern Now.</p><p>In 2016 Noni was inducted into the TV Week Logie ‘Hall of Fame’.</p><p>In September she is back on the boards in the world premiere season of Daniel Keen’s <em>LARK </em>at the Melbourne Arts Centre.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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STAGES Episode 580: FRANCIS GREENSLADE

<p>Francis Greenslade began performing with the Adelaide University Footlights. He has been an actor and a teacher for over 30 years. He is best known for performing a host of characters on ‘<em>Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell</em>’ and Brian Gross on ‘<em>Winners andLosers’.</em> Other screen credits include <em>The Leftovers, Irreverent, Blue Heelers, Dr Blake, SeaChange </em>and <em>Full Frontal.</em></p><p>He has worked with most theatre companies across Australia. His stage credits include <em>The Odd Couple, Shakespeare in Love, Man the Balloon,</em> and <em>Urinetown</em> for the Melbourne Theatre Company, <em>Babes in the Wood, The Odyssey, Optimism</em>, and <em>Tartuffe </em>for Malthouse, and <em>Navigating </em>for the Sydney Theatre Company. In 2019 STC produced his adaptation of <em>Accidental Death of an Anarchist.</em></p><p>His book ‘<em>How I Learnt to Act</em>’ was published by Currency Press in 2019 and his play ‘<em>The Platypus</em>’ has had seasons at Theatreworks in St Kilda in 2024 and at Holden Street Theatres for the Adelaide Fringe in 2025.</p><p><em>‘The Platypus’,</em> plays the Brisbane Festival in September.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

051d1c4e-25a9-40d1-bfa9-3307cbfc212d

Peter Eyers

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Francis Greenslade began performing with the Adelaide University Footlights. He has been an actor and a teacher for over 30 years. He is best known for performing a host of characters on ‘<em>Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell</em>’ and Brian Gross on ‘<em>Winners andLosers’.</em> Other screen credits include <em>The Leftovers, Irreverent, Blue Heelers, Dr Blake, SeaChange </em>and <em>Full Frontal.</em></p><p>He has worked with most theatre companies across Australia. His stage credits include <em>The Odd Couple, Shakespeare in Love, Man the Balloon,</em> and <em>Urinetown</em> for the Melbourne Theatre Company, <em>Babes in the Wood, The Odyssey, Optimism</em>, and <em>Tartuffe </em>for Malthouse, and <em>Navigating </em>for the Sydney Theatre Company. In 2019 STC produced his adaptation of <em>Accidental Death of an Anarchist.</em></p><p>His book ‘<em>How I Learnt to Act</em>’ was published by Currency Press in 2019 and his play ‘<em>The Platypus</em>’ has had seasons at Theatreworks in St Kilda in 2024 and at Holden Street Theatres for the Adelaide Fringe in 2025.</p><p><em>‘The Platypus’,</em> plays the Brisbane Festival in September.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:44:39

STAGES Episode 579: IAN STENLAKE

<p>From beloved TV dramas to blockbuster musicals, Ian Stenlake has carved out a dynamic career across stage and screen. Most recently, he conjured magic (and menace), mesmerising audiences as the enigmatic Saruman in <em>The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale</em>. Prior to that, Ian toured nationally in <em>Elvis: A Musical Revolution</em>, portraying the legendary Colonel Tom Parker, a performance that earned him the Glugs Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His musical resumé is stacked with acclaimed roles including Sam in <em>Mamma Mia!</em>, Sky in <em>Guys &amp; Dolls</em>, Curly in <em>Oklahoma!</em>, Cliff in <em>Cabaret</em>, Robert in <em>The Bridges of Madison County</em> and John Ashby in <em>Georgy Girl.</em></p><p>Beyond musicals, Ian has also made his mark in a wide range of main stage productions. Highlights include <em>Around the World in 80 Days</em> for Ellis Productions, <em>One Crowded Hour</em> with the Tasmanian Theatre Company, Daylight Saving for Darlinghurst Theatre Company, <em>School of the Arts</em> for Queensland Theatre Company and <em>Sleeping Beauty</em> for Malthouse Theatre.</p><p>On screen, Ian is best known for his long-running roles as Commander Mike Flynn in <em>Sea Patrol</em> and Oscar Stone in <em>Stingers</em>. His television work also includes appearances in <em>The Secret Daughter, Dance Academy</em> and more. His film credits range from <em>Diana &amp; Me</em> to <em>Trapped in Space,</em> and even a role in <em>The Godfather Part III</em>.</p><p>A two-time Green Room Award winner and Helpmann Award nominee, Ian continues to enchant audiences nationwide, affirming his place as a powerhouse of Australian stage and screen.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

4549161e-5be4-4ca0-ab8e-add438e07d31

Peter Eyers

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>From beloved TV dramas to blockbuster musicals, Ian Stenlake has carved out a dynamic career across stage and screen. Most recently, he conjured magic (and menace), mesmerising audiences as the enigmatic Saruman in <em>The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale</em>. Prior to that, Ian toured nationally in <em>Elvis: A Musical Revolution</em>, portraying the legendary Colonel Tom Parker, a performance that earned him the Glugs Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His musical resumé is stacked with acclaimed roles including Sam in <em>Mamma Mia!</em>, Sky in <em>Guys &amp; Dolls</em>, Curly in <em>Oklahoma!</em>, Cliff in <em>Cabaret</em>, Robert in <em>The Bridges of Madison County</em> and John Ashby in <em>Georgy Girl.</em></p><p>Beyond musicals, Ian has also made his mark in a wide range of main stage productions. Highlights include <em>Around the World in 80 Days</em> for Ellis Productions, <em>One Crowded Hour</em> with the Tasmanian Theatre Company, Daylight Saving for Darlinghurst Theatre Company, <em>School of the Arts</em> for Queensland Theatre Company and <em>Sleeping Beauty</em> for Malthouse Theatre.</p><p>On screen, Ian is best known for his long-running roles as Commander Mike Flynn in <em>Sea Patrol</em> and Oscar Stone in <em>Stingers</em>. His television work also includes appearances in <em>The Secret Daughter, Dance Academy</em> and more. His film credits range from <em>Diana &amp; Me</em> to <em>Trapped in Space,</em> and even a role in <em>The Godfather Part III</em>.</p><p>A two-time Green Room Award winner and Helpmann Award nominee, Ian continues to enchant audiences nationwide, affirming his place as a powerhouse of Australian stage and screen.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:50:50

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STAGES Episode 578: ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER

<p>Robert W. Schneider is one of the foremost educators and lecturers in the world of theatre having given countless presentations at Yale, Fordham, The Institute of the American Musicals, and at various engagements throughout the United States and the UK. </p><p>He is currently on the faculty of both Penn State University and the Professional Conservatory of Musical Theatre at New York Film Academy. Robert is a graduate of Penn State University (MFA) and a member of The Society of Directors and Choreographers.</p><p>Rob is one of the iconic New York Cabaret venue Feinstein’s/54 Below, original programming producers. He is the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company, and a freelance director. He has worked with such artists as Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, as well as such institutions as Lincoln Center, Second Stage, The York Theatre, PBS, Walnut Street Theatre, and Center Theatre Group. </p><p>As a director, Rob has focused mainly on revivals and regional premieres: which have included <em>Memphis, Rock of Ages, Hairspray, How to Succeed…., Bye Bye Birdie, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels </em>and <em>City of Angels.</em></p><p><em>For J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company he has directed productions of Smile, Zorba, Drat! The Cat!, Do Re Mi, Lucky Stiff, Seesaw and No Strings. </em>The Company presents professional revivals of  worthy Broadway musicals; in doing so it provides an opportunity for  patrons to re-visit these shows and, in some cases, experience them for  the first time.</p><p>As a producer at 54 Below Rob has worked on over 80 concerts, many in the MAC-Award winning 54 Sings Series….where he directed concerts of <em>We Will Rock You</em> (NY Premiere), <em>Memphis</em> (OBC Reunion) and <em>Curtains </em>(OBC Reunion) among many more.</p><p>He is also the Producer/Host of several podcast series which celebrate and investigate the Broadway musical and their practitioners; all essential listening for fans of the shows and the people. </p><p>The podcasts include Behind the Curtain: Broadways Living Legends, Broadway Bound: The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway and Fifty Key Stage Musicals.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

b7a34fc2-c05d-4f3f-ad6c-e45f06bc92f1

Peter Eyers

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Robert W. Schneider is one of the foremost educators and lecturers in the world of theatre having given countless presentations at Yale, Fordham, The Institute of the American Musicals, and at various engagements throughout the United States and the UK. </p><p>He is currently on the faculty of both Penn State University and the Professional Conservatory of Musical Theatre at New York Film Academy. Robert is a graduate of Penn State University (MFA) and a member of The Society of Directors and Choreographers.</p><p>Rob is one of the iconic New York Cabaret venue Feinstein’s/54 Below, original programming producers. He is the Artistic Director of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company, and a freelance director. He has worked with such artists as Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, as well as such institutions as Lincoln Center, Second Stage, The York Theatre, PBS, Walnut Street Theatre, and Center Theatre Group. </p><p>As a director, Rob has focused mainly on revivals and regional premieres: which have included <em>Memphis, Rock of Ages, Hairspray, How to Succeed…., Bye Bye Birdie, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels </em>and <em>City of Angels.</em></p><p><em>For J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company he has directed productions of Smile, Zorba, Drat! The Cat!, Do Re Mi, Lucky Stiff, Seesaw and No Strings. </em>The Company presents professional revivals of  worthy Broadway musicals; in doing so it provides an opportunity for  patrons to re-visit these shows and, in some cases, experience them for  the first time.</p><p>As a producer at 54 Below Rob has worked on over 80 concerts, many in the MAC-Award winning 54 Sings Series….where he directed concerts of <em>We Will Rock You</em> (NY Premiere), <em>Memphis</em> (OBC Reunion) and <em>Curtains </em>(OBC Reunion) among many more.</p><p>He is also the Producer/Host of several podcast series which celebrate and investigate the Broadway musical and their practitioners; all essential listening for fans of the shows and the people. </p><p>The podcasts include Behind the Curtain: Broadways Living Legends, Broadway Bound: The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway and Fifty Key Stage Musicals.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

false

00:59:26

8

578

full

STAGES Episode 577: RACHELLE DURKIN

<p>Australian/American soprano Rachelle Durkin began her career in Australia, winning three of that country’s major vocal competitions: The Herald Sun Aria, The Marianne Mathy Scholarship and The Metropolitan Opera Award. Immediately following her successes, she flew to New York City where she was a recipient of the prestigious Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was accepted into the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.</p><p>Rachelle subsequently became an established solo artist at The Met, singing leading roles for many years – most notably Norina in <em>Don Pasquale</em> (recorded live for Sirius Radio), Lisa in <em>La sonnambula</em> (recorded live Sirius Radio), Clorinda in <em>La Cenerentola</em> (recorded live Sirius Radio and DVD release), Mrs Schlesen in Phillip Glass’ <em>Satyagraha</em> (recorded live Sirius Radio and DVD release), Frasquita in <em>Carmen</em>, <em>Masha</em> in Pique Dame, First Flower Maiden in <em>Parsifal</em> (also at Salzburg Festival under the baton of Maestro Levine), and <em>Young Girl</em> in <em>Moses und Aron</em>.</p><p>2021/2022 engagements included Tytania in <em>A Midsummer Night’s Dream </em>and The Governess (<em>The Turn of the Screw</em>) in Adelaide, Morgana (<em>Alcina</em>) in Canberra and Musetta (<em>La bohème</em>) in Perth; in 2023, she returned to Opera Australia as Mrs Schlesen, to Perth as Musetta and was soloist with the Sydney, Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. In 2024, she sang Donna Anna (<em>Don Giovanni</em>) in Hawai’i and was soloist for West Australian Opera, Opera Queensland, Australian Baroque and the Australian Youth Orchestra. In 2025, she returns to Opera Australia as Musetta in their Sydney Winter Season of <em>La bohème.</em></p><p>A highly adept interpreter in a wide range of repertoire spanning from the baroque to modern masterpieces, Rachelle’s other noteworthy performances include: <em>Kumudha</em> in John Adams’ <em>A Flowering Tree</em> for The Perth International Arts Festival; the title role in <em>Alcina</em> (c: Richard Hickox), Armida in <em>Rinaldo </em>(c: Trevor Pinnock) and Angelica in <em>Orlando</em> for Opera Australia. Rachelle received Helpmann Award nominations for all four of the aforementioned appearances. She received her fifth nomination for Haydn’s <em>Armida</em> with Pinchgut Opera (c: Antony Walker).</p><p>Other highlights have included <em>Romance at the Met – Opera’s Most Romantic Moments </em>(an iTunes exclusive with tenor Matthew Polenzani); soloist in Beethoven’s <em>Symphony No. 9</em> with Detroit Symphony Orchestra (c: Leonard Slatkin) and West Australian Symphony Orchestra (c: Asher Fisch), performances with Bryn Terfel and Lisa McCune at Leeuwin Estate Winery and Gala Concerts with Placido Domingo and José Carreras.</p><p>Rachelle returns to Opera Australia in August and September as Musetta in gale Edward’s celebrated production of Puccini’s <em>La Boheme.</em></p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

3c07913a-a6a1-4875-8c84-d42bce25430f

Peter Eyers

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Australian/American soprano Rachelle Durkin began her career in Australia, winning three of that country’s major vocal competitions: The Herald Sun Aria, The Marianne Mathy Scholarship and The Metropolitan Opera Award. Immediately following her successes, she flew to New York City where she was a recipient of the prestigious Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was accepted into the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.</p><p>Rachelle subsequently became an established solo artist at The Met, singing leading roles for many years – most notably Norina in <em>Don Pasquale</em> (recorded live for Sirius Radio), Lisa in <em>La sonnambula</em> (recorded live Sirius Radio), Clorinda in <em>La Cenerentola</em> (recorded live Sirius Radio and DVD release), Mrs Schlesen in Phillip Glass’ <em>Satyagraha</em> (recorded live Sirius Radio and DVD release), Frasquita in <em>Carmen</em>, <em>Masha</em> in Pique Dame, First Flower Maiden in <em>Parsifal</em> (also at Salzburg Festival under the baton of Maestro Levine), and <em>Young Girl</em> in <em>Moses und Aron</em>.</p><p>2021/2022 engagements included Tytania in <em>A Midsummer Night’s Dream </em>and The Governess (<em>The Turn of the Screw</em>) in Adelaide, Morgana (<em>Alcina</em>) in Canberra and Musetta (<em>La bohème</em>) in Perth; in 2023, she returned to Opera Australia as Mrs Schlesen, to Perth as Musetta and was soloist with the Sydney, Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. In 2024, she sang Donna Anna (<em>Don Giovanni</em>) in Hawai’i and was soloist for West Australian Opera, Opera Queensland, Australian Baroque and the Australian Youth Orchestra. In 2025, she returns to Opera Australia as Musetta in their Sydney Winter Season of <em>La bohème.</em></p><p>A highly adept interpreter in a wide range of repertoire spanning from the baroque to modern masterpieces, Rachelle’s other noteworthy performances include: <em>Kumudha</em> in John Adams’ <em>A Flowering Tree</em> for The Perth International Arts Festival; the title role in <em>Alcina</em> (c: Richard Hickox), Armida in <em>Rinaldo </em>(c: Trevor Pinnock) and Angelica in <em>Orlando</em> for Opera Australia. Rachelle received Helpmann Award nominations for all four of the aforementioned appearances. She received her fifth nomination for Haydn’s <em>Armida</em> with Pinchgut Opera (c: Antony Walker).</p><p>Other highlights have included <em>Romance at the Met – Opera’s Most Romantic Moments </em>(an iTunes exclusive with tenor Matthew Polenzani); soloist in Beethoven’s <em>Symphony No. 9</em> with Detroit Symphony Orchestra (c: Leonard Slatkin) and West Australian Symphony Orchestra (c: Asher Fisch), performances with Bryn Terfel and Lisa McCune at Leeuwin Estate Winery and Gala Concerts with Placido Domingo and José Carreras.</p><p>Rachelle returns to Opera Australia in August and September as Musetta in gale Edward’s celebrated production of Puccini’s <em>La Boheme.</em></p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

false

00:47:45

STAGES Episode 576: MARG HORWELL

<p>Marg Horwell is a multi-award-winning Theatre, Opera and Film Designer, Installation Artist and Photographer.</p><p>Marg’s recent select credits include;<em> The Confessions</em><strong> </strong>(Alexander Zeldin Company/The National Theatre), <em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em><strong> </strong>(Sydney Theatre Company/ Michael Cassell Group)<em>, The Strange Case of Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde</em> (Sydney Theatre Company), <em>The Dead City</em><strong> </strong>(Deutche Oper Am Rhein), <em>The Happy End</em> (Victorian Opera), <em>The Marriage of Figaro, The Human Voice and The Call </em>(Opera Queensland), <em>Lorelei</em> (Opera Queensland/Victorian Opera), <em>Because the Night</em> (Malthouse Theatre), <em>Our Town</em> (Theater Basel).</p><p>Marg designed costumes for Kip Williams’ <em>The Resistible Rise of Arthur Ui </em>and <em>Lord of the Flies</em> and designed set and costumes on <em>How to Rule the World</em><strong> </strong>and <em>The Lifespan of a Fact,</em> at Sydney Theatre Company,<em> Salome</em><strong> </strong>(English National Opera), <em>Avalanche</em><strong> </strong>(Barbican Theatre), <em>Leviathan</em><strong> </strong>(Circa), <em>Common Ground </em>(Chunky Move), <em>Anthem</em> (Performing Lines),<em> Animal</em> (InFlux), <em>Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography </em>(Griffin/Perth Theatre Company), <em>Nora</em> (Belvoir)</p><p>For Melbourne Theatre Company Marg has designed <em>Bernhardt/Hamlet, Escaped Alone and What If If Only, My Sister Jill, Girls and Boys, The Truth, Lilith the Jungle Girl</em> (MTC/Sisters Grimm), <em>Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes</em> (MTC/Belvoir), <em>Marlin</em> (MTC/Arena Theatre), <em>Cock</em> (MTC/La Boite), <em>The House of Bernarda Alba, Birdland, Peddling, Constellations, Music, The Dream Life of Butterflies, The Water Carriers, Circle Mirror Transformation.</em></p><p>In 2017, Marg was the Designer in Residence at Malthouse Theatre, and has designed <em>The Homesexuals, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again, The Testament of Mary</em>, and <em>The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man, Edward II, The Good Person of Szechuan</em> (Malthouse / The National Theatre of China), <em>Bliss </em><strong>(</strong>Malthouse/Belvoir St), <em>Melancholia, Blasted, The Histrionic </em>and <em>Caravan</em><strong> </strong>for the company.</p><p>For independent company Dee &amp; Cornelius Marg has designed productions of <em>Big Heart, Savages, Shit </em>and<strong> </strong><em>Love </em>that toured as part of the Theatre program at the Venice Biennale.</p><p>As Artistic Associate with Angus Cerini Doubletap Marg designed productions of <em>Wretch, Save For Crying, Chapter from the Pandemic</em>, and <em>Resplendence.</em></p><p>Marg has been recognised for her outstanding work with three Sydney Theatre Awards and Thirteen Greenroom Awards, including Best Scenic and Costume Designs for <em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em><strong> </strong>touring to the West End and Broadway in 2023. She adds to this collection with an Olivier Award and Tony Award for her striking Costume Designs which populate the celebrated production.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

d1c8d167-eed3-4b9e-aade-dd674c768f34

Peter Eyers

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Marg Horwell is a multi-award-winning Theatre, Opera and Film Designer, Installation Artist and Photographer.</p><p>Marg’s recent select credits include;<em> The Confessions</em><strong> </strong>(Alexander Zeldin Company/The National Theatre), <em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em><strong> </strong>(Sydney Theatre Company/ Michael Cassell Group)<em>, The Strange Case of Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde</em> (Sydney Theatre Company), <em>The Dead City</em><strong> </strong>(Deutche Oper Am Rhein), <em>The Happy End</em> (Victorian Opera), <em>The Marriage of Figaro, The Human Voice and The Call </em>(Opera Queensland), <em>Lorelei</em> (Opera Queensland/Victorian Opera), <em>Because the Night</em> (Malthouse Theatre), <em>Our Town</em> (Theater Basel).</p><p>Marg designed costumes for Kip Williams’ <em>The Resistible Rise of Arthur Ui </em>and <em>Lord of the Flies</em> and designed set and costumes on <em>How to Rule the World</em><strong> </strong>and <em>The Lifespan of a Fact,</em> at Sydney Theatre Company,<em> Salome</em><strong> </strong>(English National Opera), <em>Avalanche</em><strong> </strong>(Barbican Theatre), <em>Leviathan</em><strong> </strong>(Circa), <em>Common Ground </em>(Chunky Move), <em>Anthem</em> (Performing Lines),<em> Animal</em> (InFlux), <em>Eight Gigabytes of Hardcore Pornography </em>(Griffin/Perth Theatre Company), <em>Nora</em> (Belvoir)</p><p>For Melbourne Theatre Company Marg has designed <em>Bernhardt/Hamlet, Escaped Alone and What If If Only, My Sister Jill, Girls and Boys, The Truth, Lilith the Jungle Girl</em> (MTC/Sisters Grimm), <em>Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes</em> (MTC/Belvoir), <em>Marlin</em> (MTC/Arena Theatre), <em>Cock</em> (MTC/La Boite), <em>The House of Bernarda Alba, Birdland, Peddling, Constellations, Music, The Dream Life of Butterflies, The Water Carriers, Circle Mirror Transformation.</em></p><p>In 2017, Marg was the Designer in Residence at Malthouse Theatre, and has designed <em>The Homesexuals, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again, The Testament of Mary</em>, and <em>The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man, Edward II, The Good Person of Szechuan</em> (Malthouse / The National Theatre of China), <em>Bliss </em><strong>(</strong>Malthouse/Belvoir St), <em>Melancholia, Blasted, The Histrionic </em>and <em>Caravan</em><strong> </strong>for the company.</p><p>For independent company Dee &amp; Cornelius Marg has designed productions of <em>Big Heart, Savages, Shit </em>and<strong> </strong><em>Love </em>that toured as part of the Theatre program at the Venice Biennale.</p><p>As Artistic Associate with Angus Cerini Doubletap Marg designed productions of <em>Wretch, Save For Crying, Chapter from the Pandemic</em>, and <em>Resplendence.</em></p><p>Marg has been recognised for her outstanding work with three Sydney Theatre Awards and Thirteen Greenroom Awards, including Best Scenic and Costume Designs for <em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em><strong> </strong>touring to the West End and Broadway in 2023. She adds to this collection with an Olivier Award and Tony Award for her striking Costume Designs which populate the celebrated production.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

false

01:00:03

STAGES Episode 575: CHARLES BUSCH - PART 2

<p>Charles Busch has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including <em>The Divine Sister</em>, <em>The Lady in Question</em>, <em>Red Scare on Sunset</em>, <em>The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dare</em> and <em>Vampire Lesbians of Sodom</em>; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play <em>The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife</em> ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwriting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway comedy of the past twenty-five years. </p><p>He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, <em>Psycho Beach Party</em> and <em>Die Mommie Die</em>, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. </p><p>For two seasons, he appeared as Nat Ginzburg on the HBO series <em>OZ</em> and is the author of the auto-biographical novel <em>Whores of Lost Atlantis</em>. He has directed two films; the Showtime short subject, <em>Personal Assistant</em>, and a feature, <em>A Very Serious Person, which won an honourable mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. </em>His most recent film is the comedy caper<em> The Sixth Reel </em>starring Charles along with Julie Halston, Margaret Cho and Tim Daley.<em>  </em>In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright, and was given a star on the Playwright’s Walk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He is also the subject of the documentary film<em> The Lady in Question is Charles Busch</em>.</p><p>He is a two-time MAC award winner, a Bistro Award Honouree and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. In winter of 2016, his show <em>The Lady at the Mic</em> premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Centre’s American Songbook series. </p><p>His autobiography <em>Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy</em> was published by BenBella Books in 2023. <em>Charles Busch was among the 2024 inductees in New York&#39;s Theatre Hall of Fame.</em></p><p><em>Photo: Eric Stephen Jacobs</em></p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

dff3e9a2-a778-41c1-9bfa-d86169381382

Peter Eyers

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Charles Busch has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including <em>The Divine Sister</em>, <em>The Lady in Question</em>, <em>Red Scare on Sunset</em>, <em>The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dare</em> and <em>Vampire Lesbians of Sodom</em>; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play <em>The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife</em> ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwriting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway comedy of the past twenty-five years. </p><p>He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, <em>Psycho Beach Party</em> and <em>Die Mommie Die</em>, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. </p><p>For two seasons, he appeared as Nat Ginzburg on the HBO series <em>OZ</em> and is the author of the auto-biographical novel <em>Whores of Lost Atlantis</em>. He has directed two films; the Showtime short subject, <em>Personal Assistant</em>, and a feature, <em>A Very Serious Person, which won an honourable mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. </em>His most recent film is the comedy caper<em> The Sixth Reel </em>starring Charles along with Julie Halston, Margaret Cho and Tim Daley.<em>  </em>In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright, and was given a star on the Playwright’s Walk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He is also the subject of the documentary film<em> The Lady in Question is Charles Busch</em>.</p><p>He is a two-time MAC award winner, a Bistro Award Honouree and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. In winter of 2016, his show <em>The Lady at the Mic</em> premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Centre’s American Songbook series. </p><p>His autobiography <em>Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy</em> was published by BenBella Books in 2023. <em>Charles Busch was among the 2024 inductees in New York&#39;s Theatre Hall of Fame.</em></p><p><em>Photo: Eric Stephen Jacobs</em></p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

false

01:11:19

8

575

full

STAGES Episode 574: CHARLES BUSCH - PART 1

<p>Charles Busch has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including <em>The Divine Sister</em>, <em>The Lady in Question</em>, <em>Red Scare on Sunset</em>, <em>The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dare</em> and <em>Vampire Lesbians of Sodom</em>; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play <em>The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife</em> ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwriting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway comedy of the past twenty-five years. </p><p>He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, <em>Psycho Beach Party</em> and <em>Die Mommie Die</em>, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. </p><p>For two seasons, he appeared as Nat Ginzburg on the HBO series <em>OZ</em> and is the author of the auto-biographical novel <em>Whores of Lost Atlantis</em>. He has directed two films; the Showtime short subject, <em>Personal Assistant</em>, and a feature, <em>A Very Serious Person, which won an honourable mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. </em>His most recent film is the comedy caper<em> The Sixth Reel </em>starring Charles along with Julie Halston, Margaret Cho and Tim Daley.<em>  </em>In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright, and was given a star on the Playwright’s Walk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He is also the subject of the documentary film<em> The Lady in Question is Charles Busch</em>.</p><p>He is a two-time MAC award winner, a Bistro Award Honouree and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. In winter of 2016, his show <em>The Lady at the Mic</em> premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Centre’s American Songbook series. </p><p>His autobiography <em>Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy</em> was published by BenBella Books in 2023. <em>Charles Busch was among the 2024 inductees in New York's Theatre Hall of Fame.</em></p><p><em>Photo: Eric Stephen Jacobs</em></p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

42df8a10-9f62-4cda-a434-0899d588a8a3

Peter Eyers

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Charles Busch has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including <em>The Divine Sister</em>, <em>The Lady in Question</em>, <em>Red Scare on Sunset</em>, <em>The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dare</em> and <em>Vampire Lesbians of Sodom</em>; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play <em>The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife</em> ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwriting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway comedy of the past twenty-five years. </p><p>He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, <em>Psycho Beach Party</em> and <em>Die Mommie Die</em>, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. </p><p>For two seasons, he appeared as Nat Ginzburg on the HBO series <em>OZ</em> and is the author of the auto-biographical novel <em>Whores of Lost Atlantis</em>. He has directed two films; the Showtime short subject, <em>Personal Assistant</em>, and a feature, <em>A Very Serious Person, which won an honourable mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. </em>His most recent film is the comedy caper<em> The Sixth Reel </em>starring Charles along with Julie Halston, Margaret Cho and Tim Daley.<em>  </em>In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright, and was given a star on the Playwright’s Walk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He is also the subject of the documentary film<em> The Lady in Question is Charles Busch</em>.</p><p>He is a two-time MAC award winner, a Bistro Award Honouree and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. In winter of 2016, his show <em>The Lady at the Mic</em> premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Centre’s American Songbook series. </p><p>His autobiography <em>Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy</em> was published by BenBella Books in 2023. <em>Charles Busch was among the 2024 inductees in New York's Theatre Hall of Fame.</em></p><p><em>Photo: Eric Stephen Jacobs</em></p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:55:52

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STAGES Episode 573: SEANN MILEY MOORE

<p>Seann Miley Moore graduated from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2013. They quickly established themself in the world of musical theatre in productions of Rent, Sweet Charity and the King & I.</p><p>"Seann Miley Moore stole the show," Cameron Mackintosh said of their pioneering performance as <em>The EnginQueer</em> in Opera Australia’s <em>Miss Saigon</em>. Awarded Best Actor at both the Sydney Theatre Awards and Naarm’s Green Room Awards - “They are a complete revelation."</p><p>A true embodiment of queer Asian excellence, Seann now brings unmatched charisma and fearless queer spirit to the role of Hedwig in <em>Hedwig and the Angry Inch, </em>playing stages across Australia.</p><p>Loved worldwide, Seann first captured our hearts on <em>X Factor UK</em> in 2015 and <em>The Voice AU</em> in 2021, where their powerful performances of Freddie Mercury’s "The Show Must Go On" and Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer" led Simon Cowell to declare, "This kid's a star!" Since then, Seann has headlined major Pride events globally—from the UK to Amsterdam, New York, and most recently at Sydney World Pride 2023.</p><p>Their bold & unique style has caught the eye of brands like Lululemon, Camilla With Love, Fenty Beauty, and Jean Paul Gaultier, with <em>Vogue Australia</em> featuring them in the <em>Get Used To It</em> pride campaign supporting the LGBTQ+ community.</p><p>An advocate for love and equality, Seann’s disco-pop anthem <em>My Lovers</em>, a collaboration with St Croix, soared to #5 on the ARIA Charts. Support this Slayzian showgirl and stream it now on Spotify!</p><p>In October they return to the role of The Engineer in <em>Miss Saigon </em>for the UK tour.</p><p><em>Hedwig and the Angry Inch</em> plays Carriageworks in Sydney from July 17th.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

6de97209-a75e-4204-b6bd-bcb5e8a8ae99

Peter Eyers

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Seann Miley Moore graduated from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2013. They quickly established themself in the world of musical theatre in productions of Rent, Sweet Charity and the King & I.</p><p>"Seann Miley Moore stole the show," Cameron Mackintosh said of their pioneering performance as <em>The EnginQueer</em> in Opera Australia’s <em>Miss Saigon</em>. Awarded Best Actor at both the Sydney Theatre Awards and Naarm’s Green Room Awards - “They are a complete revelation."</p><p>A true embodiment of queer Asian excellence, Seann now brings unmatched charisma and fearless queer spirit to the role of Hedwig in <em>Hedwig and the Angry Inch, </em>playing stages across Australia.</p><p>Loved worldwide, Seann first captured our hearts on <em>X Factor UK</em> in 2015 and <em>The Voice AU</em> in 2021, where their powerful performances of Freddie Mercury’s "The Show Must Go On" and Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer" led Simon Cowell to declare, "This kid's a star!" Since then, Seann has headlined major Pride events globally—from the UK to Amsterdam, New York, and most recently at Sydney World Pride 2023.</p><p>Their bold & unique style has caught the eye of brands like Lululemon, Camilla With Love, Fenty Beauty, and Jean Paul Gaultier, with <em>Vogue Australia</em> featuring them in the <em>Get Used To It</em> pride campaign supporting the LGBTQ+ community.</p><p>An advocate for love and equality, Seann’s disco-pop anthem <em>My Lovers</em>, a collaboration with St Croix, soared to #5 on the ARIA Charts. Support this Slayzian showgirl and stream it now on Spotify!</p><p>In October they return to the role of The Engineer in <em>Miss Saigon </em>for the UK tour.</p><p><em>Hedwig and the Angry Inch</em> plays Carriageworks in Sydney from July 17th.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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00:35:32

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STAGES Episode 572: WENDY HARMER

<p>Wendy Harmer is one of Australia’s most versatile entertainers – broadcaster, author, journalist and stage performer.</p><p>As a stand-up comedian she performed her one-woman shows at the Melbourne, Edinburgh, Montreal and Glasgow Mayfest Comedy Festivals, in London’s West End and the Sydney Theatre Company.  Wendy enjoyed huge popularity leading Sydney radio station 2Day FM’s top-rating Breakfast Show for 11 years. She was the co-host of ABC’s 702 Sydney morning show from 2016 -2021.  She has hosted, written and appeared in a variety of TV shows including ABC’s <em>The Big Gig</em>.</p><p>A former political journalist, Wendy is the author of eight books for adults including her bestselling novel <em>Farewell My Ovaries, Love and Punishment </em>and <em>Nagging For Beginners</em>, a how-to guide for women.  She has also written two teen novels, <em>I Lost My Mobile at the Mall </em>and <em>I Made lattes For a Love God. </em></p><p>Wendy’s children’s book series about Pearlie the park fairy have sold more than 700,000 copies in Australia and internationally since the first title <em>Pearlie in the Park</em> was published in 2003.  A stage show of the books adapted by Wendy played at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and toured regional NSW in 2005 and then nationally in 2007. The animated television series based on Wendy’s <em>Pearlie</em> books, co-produced by Sticky Pictures and Canadian broadcaster Nelvana, premiered on Network Ten in October 2009 and aired on Nickelodean Australia and in 11 other countries around the world.  Wendy developed the series as Creative Producer and wrote multiple episodes.</p><p><em>Stuff</em>, a four-part television documentary series which Wendy produced, wrote and presented, premiered on ABC TV in March 2008. In late 2008 Wendy and Angela Catterns recorded a 16 part podcasting series for ABC Radio Local called <em>Is It Just Me?</em> which returned for a second season in 2009. </p><p>Wendy teamed up again with Angela Catterns on ABC News Radio with a new show called <em>It’s News to Me!</em>, which recapped the week’s events.  </p><p>Wendy has been a columnist on many publications including the Good Weekend and The Sunday Telegraph.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

ef42e707-a3d2-406d-9b4b-7e840a8382df

Peter Eyers

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>Wendy Harmer is one of Australia’s most versatile entertainers – broadcaster, author, journalist and stage performer.</p><p>As a stand-up comedian she performed her one-woman shows at the Melbourne, Edinburgh, Montreal and Glasgow Mayfest Comedy Festivals, in London’s West End and the Sydney Theatre Company.  Wendy enjoyed huge popularity leading Sydney radio station 2Day FM’s top-rating Breakfast Show for 11 years. She was the co-host of ABC’s 702 Sydney morning show from 2016 -2021.  She has hosted, written and appeared in a variety of TV shows including ABC’s <em>The Big Gig</em>.</p><p>A former political journalist, Wendy is the author of eight books for adults including her bestselling novel <em>Farewell My Ovaries, Love and Punishment </em>and <em>Nagging For Beginners</em>, a how-to guide for women.  She has also written two teen novels, <em>I Lost My Mobile at the Mall </em>and <em>I Made lattes For a Love God. </em></p><p>Wendy’s children’s book series about Pearlie the park fairy have sold more than 700,000 copies in Australia and internationally since the first title <em>Pearlie in the Park</em> was published in 2003.  A stage show of the books adapted by Wendy played at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and toured regional NSW in 2005 and then nationally in 2007. The animated television series based on Wendy’s <em>Pearlie</em> books, co-produced by Sticky Pictures and Canadian broadcaster Nelvana, premiered on Network Ten in October 2009 and aired on Nickelodean Australia and in 11 other countries around the world.  Wendy developed the series as Creative Producer and wrote multiple episodes.</p><p><em>Stuff</em>, a four-part television documentary series which Wendy produced, wrote and presented, premiered on ABC TV in March 2008. In late 2008 Wendy and Angela Catterns recorded a 16 part podcasting series for ABC Radio Local called <em>Is It Just Me?</em> which returned for a second season in 2009. </p><p>Wendy teamed up again with Angela Catterns on ABC News Radio with a new show called <em>It’s News to Me!</em>, which recapped the week’s events.  </p><p>Wendy has been a columnist on many publications including the Good Weekend and The Sunday Telegraph.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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01:03:30

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STAGES Episode 571: JAMES SMILLIE

<p>James Smillie has captivated audiences over several decades. Commencing his career at the age of 10, as an in-demand boy soprano singing with symphony orchestras and on radio, he continues to charm with his velvet voice on countless commercials, documentary narrations, and audiobooks.</p><p>Smillie was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents emigrated to Australia in the early 1950s when Smillie was still a child. He has worked in both Britain and Australia in film, extensively on stage, on television, and with voice work.</p><p>Growing up in Perth, he quickly established himself as an actor of note performing with the university graduate company in productions of <em>Hamlet</em> and <em>Mourning Becomes Electra</em> before journeying to the East coast and diversifying work at Channel O as newsreader, booth announcer and host.</p><p>While his family remained in Perth, Smillie returned to the United Kingdom to appear in stage roles in London&#39;s West End and would divide his time between the UK and Australia for several decades.</p><p>In Australia his television work includes roles in <em>Adventure Island, The Magic Circle Club, Homicide, Division 4, Prisoner</em> and as suave Dr Dan Marshall in the 1980s drama series <em>Return to Eden</em>. And in the UK, <em>Red Dwarf, Z-Cars </em>and <em>Highlander.</em></p><p>With J.C. Williamson’s he played the role of Edward Rutledge in <em>1776</em>, alongside a stellar cast that included Lewis Fiander, Bruce Kerr, Rod McLennan, Bruce Barry and Geraldene Morrow.</p><p>On the London stage, his break-out role was as Tony in <em>West Side Story</em>. His presence in the role ensured that Arthur Laurents permitted the show to open in the West End. </p><p>The following years saw him playing leading men in a string of West End productions that included, Henry II in <em>Thomas and The King</em> with a score written by John Williams; Dr. Thomas Barnardo in Ernest Maxim’s <em>Barnardo</em>; Nicos in Kander &amp; Ebb’s <em>Zorba</em>; Georges in Jerry Herman’s <em>La Cage aux Folles</em> at the London Palladium; and also as Fred Graham in Cole Porter’s  <em>Kiss Me Kate</em> with the Royal Shakespeare Company.</p><p>In 1996 he achieved a dream role as Mack Sennet in the London production of <em>Mack &amp; Mabel</em>, opposite Caroline O’Connor as Mabel Normand. The following decade saw Smillie touring in the UK tour of <em>42nd Street</em>, playing Julian Marsh, Pastor Manders in Henrik Ibsen&#39;s <em>Ghosts</em> for the Perth International Arts Festival, Charles in Stephen Sondheim&#39;s <em>Putting It Together</em> at the Library Theatre in Manchester, Daddy Warbucks in a touring production of <em>Annie</em> with Su Pollard and as Caesar, in a Sadlers Wells Lost Musicals production of <em>Fanny</em>. He also has a Royal Variety Performance to his credit.</p><p>Now settled back in Glasgow, recent years have seen James appear in stage productions at the Traverse Theatre, Oran Mor, and the Pitlochry Festival Theatre; and extensive voice work and associated accolades.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

0d2cc241-699c-4aa4-9d0d-4981929cfdf1

Peter Eyers

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

<p>James Smillie has captivated audiences over several decades. Commencing his career at the age of 10, as an in-demand boy soprano singing with symphony orchestras and on radio, he continues to charm with his velvet voice on countless commercials, documentary narrations, and audiobooks.</p><p>Smillie was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents emigrated to Australia in the early 1950s when Smillie was still a child. He has worked in both Britain and Australia in film, extensively on stage, on television, and with voice work.</p><p>Growing up in Perth, he quickly established himself as an actor of note performing with the university graduate company in productions of <em>Hamlet</em> and <em>Mourning Becomes Electra</em> before journeying to the East coast and diversifying work at Channel O as newsreader, booth announcer and host.</p><p>While his family remained in Perth, Smillie returned to the United Kingdom to appear in stage roles in London&#39;s West End and would divide his time between the UK and Australia for several decades.</p><p>In Australia his television work includes roles in <em>Adventure Island, The Magic Circle Club, Homicide, Division 4, Prisoner</em> and as suave Dr Dan Marshall in the 1980s drama series <em>Return to Eden</em>. And in the UK, <em>Red Dwarf, Z-Cars </em>and <em>Highlander.</em></p><p>With J.C. Williamson’s he played the role of Edward Rutledge in <em>1776</em>, alongside a stellar cast that included Lewis Fiander, Bruce Kerr, Rod McLennan, Bruce Barry and Geraldene Morrow.</p><p>On the London stage, his break-out role was as Tony in <em>West Side Story</em>. His presence in the role ensured that Arthur Laurents permitted the show to open in the West End. </p><p>The following years saw him playing leading men in a string of West End productions that included, Henry II in <em>Thomas and The King</em> with a score written by John Williams; Dr. Thomas Barnardo in Ernest Maxim’s <em>Barnardo</em>; Nicos in Kander &amp; Ebb’s <em>Zorba</em>; Georges in Jerry Herman’s <em>La Cage aux Folles</em> at the London Palladium; and also as Fred Graham in Cole Porter’s  <em>Kiss Me Kate</em> with the Royal Shakespeare Company.</p><p>In 1996 he achieved a dream role as Mack Sennet in the London production of <em>Mack &amp; Mabel</em>, opposite Caroline O’Connor as Mabel Normand. The following decade saw Smillie touring in the UK tour of <em>42nd Street</em>, playing Julian Marsh, Pastor Manders in Henrik Ibsen&#39;s <em>Ghosts</em> for the Perth International Arts Festival, Charles in Stephen Sondheim&#39;s <em>Putting It Together</em> at the Library Theatre in Manchester, Daddy Warbucks in a touring production of <em>Annie</em> with Su Pollard and as Caesar, in a Sadlers Wells Lost Musicals production of <em>Fanny</em>. He also has a Royal Variety Performance to his credit.</p><p>Now settled back in Glasgow, recent years have seen James appear in stage productions at the Traverse Theatre, Oran Mor, and the Pitlochry Festival Theatre; and extensive voice work and associated accolades.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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01:41:04

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STAGES Episode 570: TONYS ’25 with SIMON PARRIS, IAN PHIPPS & PETER EYERS

<p>It’s TONY time once again and an opportunity to look at the ceremony and shows up for awards in our annual Tony episode.</p><p>STAGES is joined by publicist Ian Phipps and reviewer Simon Parris, to dissect the nominations and offer some predictions for the awards which will be presented on June 8th in New York City at radio City Musica Hall, hosted by Cynthia Erivo.</p><p>The three of us have all recently been in New York and enjoyed the delights of the Broadway stage, taking in quite a few of the nominated shows and performances, giving us a familiar insight to where the awards might land.</p><p>Australians are an ever growing presence on the Broadway stage and this year were are cheering for the Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel’s production of The Picture of Dorian Gray<em>; </em>a play that<em> </em>has taken the world by storm and garnered a host of nominations for the Australian creatives and performer Sarah Snook.</p><p>Ainsley Melham is co-leading the company in the musical Boop! which has also earned nominations and Sarah Bowden is in the ensemble of SMASH, also up for some awards. John Frost is also one of the producers who has brought the Bobby Darrin story, Just in Time, to the Broadway stage - another show in a fierce competition.</p><p>It has been a sensational season on Broadway, and I’m thrilled to join by 2 fellow travellers who are able to offer some insight to what has been playing - in this 2025 TONY edition of the STAGES podcast.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

ee46c05d-bbd6-43ac-b00b-43b0635a4146

Peter Eyers

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:21:00 GMT

<p>It’s TONY time once again and an opportunity to look at the ceremony and shows up for awards in our annual Tony episode.</p><p>STAGES is joined by publicist Ian Phipps and reviewer Simon Parris, to dissect the nominations and offer some predictions for the awards which will be presented on June 8th in New York City at radio City Musica Hall, hosted by Cynthia Erivo.</p><p>The three of us have all recently been in New York and enjoyed the delights of the Broadway stage, taking in quite a few of the nominated shows and performances, giving us a familiar insight to where the awards might land.</p><p>Australians are an ever growing presence on the Broadway stage and this year were are cheering for the Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel’s production of The Picture of Dorian Gray<em>; </em>a play that<em> </em>has taken the world by storm and garnered a host of nominations for the Australian creatives and performer Sarah Snook.</p><p>Ainsley Melham is co-leading the company in the musical Boop! which has also earned nominations and Sarah Bowden is in the ensemble of SMASH, also up for some awards. John Frost is also one of the producers who has brought the Bobby Darrin story, Just in Time, to the Broadway stage - another show in a fierce competition.</p><p>It has been a sensational season on Broadway, and I’m thrilled to join by 2 fellow travellers who are able to offer some insight to what has been playing - in this 2025 TONY edition of the STAGES podcast.</p><p><em>The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).</em></p><p><a href="http://www.stagespodcast.com.au/">www.stagespodcast.com.au</a></p>

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01:01:38

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570

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