Image: Judy Nunn and Stuart Wagstaff in Blithe Spirit (1983).
Actress and author Judy Nunn dug into her extensive theatrical background for her latest book - Showtime! - set in Australia’s booming 19th Century post-gold rush theatre districts. Peter Pinne spoke with her about her writing, her life and her career.
Carmel Rodrigues has beaten hundreds of auditionees to play the coveted role of Tracy Turnblad in the Tony Award-winning production of Hairspray, set to open in Melbourne in August 2022
Rodrigues was spotted through the open casting call process, where she auditioned after seeing Shane Jacobson, who is playing Edna Turnblad, on television talking about the search for Tracy Turnblad.
Playwright Jacob Parker’s new work Tell Me Before the Sun Explodes poses the question: What you would do if the world was about to end? In this Q and A he interviews of one of his actors, Tim McGarry (also a playwright), who recently adapted Boy Swallows Universe for Queensland Theatre.
Jacob Parker: OK, you have eight minutes before the sun explodes Tim! How are you spending it?
Geraldine Turner reminisces about the late, great Stephen Sondheim, his songs and his shows, with Neil Litchfield.
Geraldine Turner first met Stephen Sondheim in 1977 when she was part of the International Music Theatre Forum at the Sydney Conservatorium, for which director Hal Prince, My Fair Lady lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and Steven Sondheim came to Australia.
Coral Drouyn looks at the bad old days in the workplace and the musical they inspired, which is in its last week in Sydney before transfering to Brisbane and Melbourne.
David Venn Enterprises (The Wedding Singer, Bring It On: The Musical) has announced its all Australian line up for the national tour of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical which kicks off from 25 May. Tickets are on sale for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide via www.cruelintentions.com.au
Hayes Theatre Co has announced that Jekyll & Hyde will be presented by Hayes later this year. Directed by globally renowned performer Hayden Tee, and brought to life by a cast of 14 actors and actor/musicians, this epic struggle between good and evil will have its Australian professional premiere production at Hayes Theatre Co from 29 July with tickets on sale now at hayestheatre.com.au.
Despite the lockdowns, Queensland’s thriving creative community showed its staying power as its productions in 2020 and 2021 were celebrated at this year’s Matilda Awards held on 30 March at Brisbane’s Powerhouse. Hosted by the talented Paul Dellit OAM and Judy Hainsworth, the awards reflected a flourishing diversity of show types and themes.
