STAGES with Peter Eyers show

STAGES with Peter Eyers

Summary: STAGES is the podcast that accesses a variety of people whose professional life is about connecting with an audience. A host of creative artists and practitioners reflect on their career, their process and what matters - to them. Some have made the arts a lifetime pursuit, some explain how their career became a happy accident ... but all describe the challenges and demands - and ultimately celebrate why there's no business like show business! STAGES talks to talent from front of house and backstage - directors, designers, drag artists and doormen ... performers, producers and publicists ... teachers, technicians and talent! Whatever stages it takes to engage and affect an audience - or whatever it takes to carve out a career in the arts - we'll examine it in STAGES. STAGES is the recipient of the Best New Podcaster Award at The Australian Podcast Awards in 2019.

Podcasts:

 'Whatever the boat I row, you row, a duo' - Performers, Producers and Partners; Wayne and Katie Kermond | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:37:38

Wayne and Katie Kermond continue the line of an illustrious show business dynasty of performers and theatre-makers. Wayne is the fourth generation of an entertainment family and Katie has forged her own way in the industry as a singer, dancer and producer. Together they ensure audiences are kept enthralled through a fusion of the entertainment of yesteryear and the thrill of contemporary stage vocals, visuals and spectacle. Wayne's introduction to professional musical theatre was at the age of 11 when he was cast as a tap dancing sailor in the musical Gypsy. He then went onto to co-star and play such featured roles as Tom Thumb in Barnum, Baby John & Arab in West Side Story, Seven Little Australians, Jonah Jones, Guys & Dolls, A Chorus Line, Chicago and Urinetown. Wayne is most acclaimed for his starring role as Cosmo Brown in the Australasian Tour of Singin' in the Rain. Wayne has also starred as Max Bialystock in The Producers, the Modern Major General in The Pirates of Penzance, The Vaudevillian in Smoke & Mirrors, Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray The Big Fat Arena Spectacular and in Anything Goes, as Moonface Martin. With over 30 years' experience in the Entertainment Industry, Katie's diverse and comprehensive skills have kept her in demand as a Theatre and Event Producer, Director, Choreographer, Production Coordinator, Performer and sometimes Stand-up Comedian. On the Performance side - Katie has appeared in major Musicals such as West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Evita, Grease, Chicago, Singing' in the Rain... to name just a few. Wayne and Katie's passion for the form of Cabaret has lead them to, create, perform and produce such shows as Candy Man - a celebration of the ultimate Song & Dance Man, Sammy Davis Jnr. and The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show. Most recently they conceived and produced Spiegelesque in the SpiegelZelt tent touring Australia, with Wayne playing the role of the cheeky Emcee "Vayne". The pair have also steered a host of musicals as Directors/Choreographers - Evita, Mary Poppins, Wicked and Kinky Boots have all received the Kermond golden touch. Wayne and Katie recently concluded a triumphant season of We Will Rock You at The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Together Wherever We Go' - An Entertainment Dynasty; Warren and Pam Kermond | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:29:44

Warren and Pam Kermond belong to a dynasty of performers who have made an indelible mark on the performing arts in Australia and abroad, in a range of theatrical styles - Vaudeville, Comedy, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre and Dance. Their stages have been vast and varied; from the touring tent shows of Sorlies to the majesty of the Tivoli and the global club circuit. "It's experience that counts" And they have it in spades! Pam is one of 11 children. An enthusiastic Aunt suggested that she should take dance lessons; and so began a career in show business. Initially this was in a variety show titled 'Thanks For The Memories' and then as a magician's assistant to The Great Levante. Growing up as the third, of now five generations of a show business family, Warren gained experience at a very early age in theatre, pantomime, night clubs, television, cabaret and Musical theatre. He has been involved in every aspect of the Entertainment Industry over the past fifty years and it is difficult to express his knowledge, credibility and understanding of the Industry both in Australia and Internationally. Warren and Pam toured internationally with their celebrated double-act. Billed as an Acrobatic Song and Dance Act, they navigated tours and stages, enthralling and delighting audiences with a unique entertainment. As an actor Warren played the role of Custus in the GFO production of Crazy For You and the role of The Rabbi alongside Topol in Fiddler on the Roof for TML Enterprises. He has been seen in numerous television commercials. Pam developed a very successful dance school in which she trained several generations of performers over 41 years. Warren appeared regularly on In Melbourne Tonight and other national television shows. He had his own TV program in Adelaide and was also a regular headliner at Wrestpoint and other major Theatre and Cabaret Venues. Warren and Pam are a prominent fixture in our performing arts heritage. They are a link to an entertainment past that is now a memory - but one that we must acknowledge, investigate and celebrate. This is a conversation that is essential listening. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 STAGES SPOTLIGHT - Conversations Revisited; Caroline O'Connor from January, 2019 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:38:50

With episodes nearing 300 in the STAGES archive, it's time to revisit conversations featured in our previous seasons. STAGES spotlights such episodes, in case you missed them the first time 'round - or so you can simply savour, a second listen. Either way, you'll accessing precious oral histories from the people who were there, on and around our stages. Caroline O'Connor is considered to be one of the foremost interpreters of musical theatre in the world. Projects have taken her from Sydney to Paris to London and the bright lights of Broadway in a vast array of leading roles, that are coveted by musical theatre performers at their peak. She's interpreted the works of Sondheim, Bernstein, Jerry Herman, Kander & Ebb, Jule Styne and Aherns & Flattery - indicating a versatility that demands an appreciation of style, and technical dexterity. Caroline O'Connor was a guest of STAGES in our second season. Tonight she opens in Brisbane in the role of Roz Keith in the Dolly Parton musical - 9 to 5. The show continues after Brisbane with seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide. Chookas to Caroline and the company of 9 to 5. And welcome back to Caroline in this STAGES conversation revisited. The Stages podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify, Whooshkaa and where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'A Man for all Seasons' - Director, Composer, Pianist, Actor, Musical Director, Dramaturg and Teacher; Terence Clarke Returns | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:18:59

Terence Clarke was the guest of STAGES in series 3. A jack of all theatrical trades, our conversation found a focus on his career as a Composer of such vibrant Australian Musical theatre works as Summer Rain, Variations and The Venetian twins. However, there is much more to Clarke's contribution to the arts in Australia. It is vast and passionate. Clarke's work as Actor and Director are also ripe for the record. He has acted in English repertory, for Nimrod (Horatio/Rosencrantz to John Bell's Hamlet), and for the National Theatre Company, Perth, where he was for over two years Aarne Neeme's Associate Director. He was foundation Artistic Director of the first regional professional theatre company in Australia, the Hunter Valley Theatre Company in Newcastle, and has been the Artistic Director of the Playwrights Conference and Head of Directing at NIDA. Terence has directed the premieres of a number of Australian plays, most notably John O'Donoghue's A Happy and Holy Occasion (HVTC) and Janis Balodis' Backyard (Nimrod). He has directed over 140 productions and workshopped some dozen: the companies include the Melbourne and Queensland Theatre Companies, Nimrod, and Playbox; the music theatre works include Madam Butterfly (for State Opera of SA, twice), Annie, Anything Goes, The Pirates of Penzance (with Reg Livermore, Canberra), HMS Pinafore, and The Yeomen of the Guard. Other work for the STC: The Venetian Twins (composer/pianist/MD); Summer Rain (composer); The Sunny South (composer/arranger); A Happy and Holy Occasion (director). Terence is a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to the performing arts as a director, actor, writer, composer and educator. Terence has directed many productions at NIDA. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Anyone Can Whistle' - Theatre Director & Disability Advocate; Dan Graham | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:18:59

Dan Graham is a Theatre Director and a Disability Advocate with a particular interest in access support for neuro-diverse performing artists. Dan himself has a neurodiverse disability. His directing and access work have seen him travel all over Australia and the world to research and explore access and inclusion. Dan has engaged with companies across Australia such as Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe, Antipode Theatre Company, and the Ensemble Theatre. His recent collaborations in the US include the Atlantic Theatre Company and Pasadena Playhouse, and in the UK the Globe Theatre. Dan is a fellow of the Australia Council's Future Leader's Program, an Ian Potter Foundation scholarship, and Create NSW Fellowship recipient. He has a stellar director resume and uses his success to advocate for other artists who identify as neurodiverse. Dan studied BA (Communication) and MCA (Theatre, specialising in directing) at the University of Tasmania and Honours in Performance Studies at the University of Sydney. His Honours paper focused on the playwright's intent and how this is realised in the director's vision. Dan also holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Dan is a board director of Arts Access Australia and a regular peer assessor for the Australia Council for the Arts. He is the co-chair of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance's (MEAA) artists with Disability Board and on the LGBTQIA+ disability advisory group for ACON. He is a board member of the Hickson Road Group Accessible Arts, and a member of Accessible Arts NSW Artists Advisory Group. He is Access Consultant for Brand X. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Song and Dance' - Opera Director; Shane Placentino | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:56:29

Adelaide born Shane Placentino graduated from The Australian Ballet School in 1990 and was accepted into the The Australian Ballet in 1991. He also worked with Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon appearing in Murphy's Nutcracker and Beyond Twelve. After ten years with The Australian Ballet, Shane departed in 2000. He joined The Sydney Dance Company in 2002. His repertoire with the company includes Ellipse, Air and other invisible forces, Salome, Free Radicals, the role of 'Jack' in Tivoli, Underland, Random Play, Some Rooms, Grand, Hua Mulan, Berlin and Ever After Ever. Dance credits with The Australian Ballet encompass the full classical and contemporary repertoire including Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Merry Widow, Jiri Kylian's Sinfonietta, Nacho Duato's Jardi Tancat, Stanton Welch's Red Earth, John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet and Kenneth MacMillan's Manon. In 2008 Shane has assisted and performed in Meryl Tankard's Inuk2 and was appointed the stage manager for Rafael Bonachela's recent work with The Sydney Dance Company. A move in to the world of opera has seen him embrace the various guises of choreographer and director. For Opera Australia he has assisted on productions of The Merry Widow (2018), West Side Story, Madama Butterfly (2019) and Faust. As Revival Director his work has brought to vivid life the operas Faust (2020), The Merry Widow (2021), Aida, Madama Butterfly (2022) and Turandot. In May he directs global opera sensation Jonas Kaufmann in Olivier Py's celebrated production of Wagner's Lohengrin. The opera plays May 14th to 24th at the State Theatre, Arts Centre, Melbourne. It is a stunning production, bound to thrill and delight. Shane Palcentino joined STAGES to describe the task ahead of him in reviving the opera for its Australian season and an indication of what's in store for the fortunate Melbourne audience. He also reflects on a journey through Dance that has lead him to his cherished role as a director/choreographer with Opera Australia. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' - Actor; Tim Wright | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:06:21

Tim Wright grew up in Albany, WA. He studied at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. He is presently performing on Broadway in the revival production of Richard Greenberg's 'Take Me Out'. Initial stage credits in Australia include I Own The racecourse (Bell), Lockie Leonard - Human Torpedo (Ensemble) and This is Our Youth (Echelon). Regular appearances at the Melbourne Theatre Company followed with Laughter on the 23rd Floor, The Glass Menagerie, Boy Gets Girl, Metamorphoses and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (also STC). TV credits include Stingers, Big Sky and The Secret Life of Us. Venturing abroad in 2009, he landed in New York and has since carved an impressive career with three Broadway credits and a host of U.S. television; Blue Bloods, New Amsterdam, Quantico, and the cult musical-theatre themed Smash- seasons 1 and 2. On the Broadway stage Tim has appeared in The Bridges of Madison County and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time; joining this show also for its US tour. Off-Broadway he worked with the Atlantic Theatre Company on 3 Kinds of Exile. Seasons of Sunset Boulevard and The Jungle at Regional theatres have also enjoyed Tim's talents. Tim is nearing the end of the run of Take Me Out - and also a stint in New York that has seen him realise great accomplishment - in conquering the Broadway stage. We applaud Tim for his tenacity in making a career in New York a reality and celebrate his impressive performance achievements as he prepares to return to Australia. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Big Sister' - Actor/Director/Writer; Kenneth Moraleda | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:06:40

Kenneth Moraleda is an actor/director/writer/producer of Filipino descent. He started training at Australian Theatre for Young People before being accepted into the National Institute of Dramatic Art graduating with a Bachelor of Acting in 1995. As a performer his recent theatre credits include An Enemy of The People with Belvoir Street, and Kasama Kita for 25a, the Global Creatures national tour of Muriel's Wedding The Musical, Talk at the Sydney Theatre Company and Australian Graffiti- a debut play from Disapol Savetsila playing Boi. Other theatre credits include playing Banzai in Disney's The Lion King Musical under the direction of Julie Taymor, the National Theatre Of Great Britain and Global Creatures' production of War Horse, playing Kulygin in Sport for Jove's critically acclaimed Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov, creating the role of Roger Chan in Nick Enright's A Man With Five Children, Hilary Bell's The White Divers of Broome, David Williamson's Cruise Control, the satirical comedy Australia Day by Jonathan Biggins and Yellow Moon-The Ballad of Leila and Lee directed by Susanna Dowling. His Philippine stage debut was with Repertory Philippines in the Pulitzer Prize Winning Play August: Osage County. His directing debut was an immersive theatrical and cinematic music show They Say She's Different written and starring Cecilia Low. After a showing at Ding Dong Lounge in Melbourne, it was picked up by the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and was a highlight of the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2015 for a season at Gasworks receiving rave reviews. He was a leading artist in This Here Land. - an experimental performance part of Liveworks Experimental Arts Festival in October 2017 for Performance Space. He has several writing projects in development including One Hour No Oil co-written with Jordan Shea. Numerous television credits include Schapelle, East West 101, Maximum Choppage, Bondi Banquet, City Life, Water Rats, Wildside, White Collar Blue, City Homicide, Janet King and Bureau of Magical Things. Notable film roles include The Great Raid, Locusts and Arun in the iconic Australia comedy Lucky Miles which has won him the Best Actor Award at the Cinemanila International Film Festival. He was also in Dead Europe and lead the short films, Perfection by Jane Eakin and The Fence by Lucy Gaffy, Banana Boy by Steven Woodburn and Legacy by Josh Mawer. In December 2020, Kenneth co-founded the theatre company KWENTO alongside Jordan Shea and Jana Vass. The company seeks to create new Australian works, that challenge the norms of Australian society. In April they will premiere a new work titled ATE LOVIA by Jordan Shea which will be directed by Kenneth Moreleda. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 STAGES SPOTLIGHT - Conversations Revisited: Geraldine Turner - from April, 2018 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:11:58

With episodes nearing 300 in the STAGES archive, it's time to revisit conversations featured in our previous seasons. STAGES spotlights such episodes, in case you missed them the first time 'round - or so you can simply savour, a second listen. Either way, you'll accessing precious oral histories from the people who were there, on and around our stages. Geraldine Turner is one of the Music Theatre's legitimate and intelligent voices. She conveys passion, truth and power in a voice that she has given to many of the form's great characters - Nancy, Mrs Lovett, Joanne, Petra, Sally Adams, Desiree Armfeldt, Reno Sweeney, The Baker's Wife, Velma Kelly and Felicia Alden. She has chartered a career spanning 4 decades and is an artist at ease in any form. She has mastered cabaret, plays, television and film - and has recently become a playwright, a director and a memoirist. Geraldine Turner's autobiography, 'Turner's Turn - a disarmingly honest memoir' was recently released by New Holland Publishers. It is a compelling record of a life navigated In Turner's Turn she shares poignant stories of her relationship with her parents and siblings and the many years of commitment required to make it to the top. Geraldine describes frankly the highs and disappointments of a life in show business, the challenge of maintaining personal relationships alongside a demanding schedule of rehearsals and performances, as well as the rivalries and camaraderie amongst those who have made the stage their life. Geraldine Turner appeared in the very first week of episodes when STAGES launched in 2018. Always frank and possessed of great warmth, Turner is the ideal guest. So popular was her story, we continued it in a companion episode, released in 2019. We share this first episode today to mark the launch of her stellar story with Turner's Turn - and to celebrate Geraldine as one of the Australian Musical Theatre's greatest stars! The Bookshop Darlinghurst and Claire's Kitchen will be hosting a literary launch of Geraldine Turner's memoir - Turner's Turn - at Claire's Kitchen on Sunday May 22nd between 3pm and 6pm. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the author and hear some of her story. She will be in conversation with the STAGES podcast. So, come along and say hello. Bookings can be made through The Bookshop, Darlinghurst, from next week. The Stages podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify, Whooshkaa and where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Working 9 to 5' - Multitalented Entertainer; Casey Donovan | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:00:03

Casey Donovan is one of Australia's most versatile Entertainers. After a meteoric rise to fame at the age of sixteen, Casey became the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol in 2004. Since then, she has made her mark not only as a musician, but also in the areas of stage, screen, presenting and writing. Casey is a multi-Award winner and nominee, including an ARIA No #1 Award for Listen with Your Heart and Deadly Awards for Best Album, Best Single and Most Promising New Talent. After taking a break from music, in 2009 under the direction of Rhoda Roberts, Casey made her theatrical debut in Miracle In Brisbane for Brisbane Festival. This was to be the first of many acclaimed theatrical performances thus far in Casey's career, including The Sapphires, As You Like It, Opera Yarrabah, The Flowerchildren, Rent, We Will Rock You as Killer Queen, and Chicago as Matron "Mama" Morton. Casey's stage credits have earned her respect from the industry, which has seen her receive a nomination for Best Newcomer and Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical in the Sydney Theatre Awards. In 2010 Casey also returned to music with the release of the single Big, Beautiful & Sexy, along with a sell-out tour and major festival performances plus opening for the legendary Cyndi Lauper on her 2011 Australian tour. Musically, Casey then released her highly anticipated EP Off The Grid & Somewhere in Between hitting the Top 30 chart and in 2019 was invited to participate in Eurovision - Australia Decides, performing and releasing the original song Proud in the national final, placing second. Over the span of her illustrious career, Casey has appeared on all major daily and weekly Network television programs and has presented her own indigenous music themed show Fusion on SBS/NITV during 2012 and 2013. In 2017 Casey was crowned Queen of the Jungle by public vote in the third season of I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Casey made her scripted television debut in 2018 on Network Ten's comedy series Streetsmart as Tia the probationary parking inspector and then was cast in the hit TV show How To Stay Married, alongside Peter Helliar and Lisa McCune. Following this was a hosting role alongside Noni Hazlehurst and Kurt Fearnley on SBS's TV's What Does Australian Really Think? Casey is currently playing the role of Judy Bernly in Dolly Parton's stage musical '9 to 5'. Her enthusiasm for what she does is palpable; evidenced here in a joyous conversation. '9 to 5' plays the Capitol Theatre in Sydney before moving on to Brisbane in May at The Lyric Theatre, QPAC. Seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide will folow. The show features Marina Prior, Eddie Perfect, Caroline O'Connor, Erin Clare and the fabulous, Casey Donovan. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Dancing on the Ceiling' - Dancer, Director, Choreographer; Meryl Tankard | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:24:20

Internationally acclaimed for the emotional punch packed into her bold choreography, Meryl Tankard is one of Australia's finest contemporary artists. As a director, choreographer and writer, her work has been staged in Europe, UK, USA, Asia and Australia, and includes co-productions with the Sydney Opera House, a full-length ballet Wild Swans for The Australian Ballet, musicals for Disney on Broadway and Andrew Lloyd Webber on the West End. Meryl created the opening section Deep Sea Dreaming for the Sydney Olympics Games Ceremony 2000 and has been commissioned by some of the world's most dynamic companies including Lyon Ballet and Netherlands Dance Theatre. Beginning her career as a dancer with the Australian Ballet, Meryl went on to become one of Pina Bausch's principal soloists with the ground-breaking Wuppertaler Tanztheater, creating roles in Café Muller, Kontakthof, 1980, Arien, Walzer, Bandoneon etc In 1989 she founded her own dance company in Canberra, synthesizing a range of influences and styles to create her own unique dance theatre style. As Artistic Director of Adelaide-based Australian Dance Theatre (1993-1999) Meryl transformed the company into a leading International company with her diverse range of full-length works including Furioso, Possessed, Aurora, Rasa, Inuk, Songs with Mara. Since 2000 Meryl has been working as an independent artist and in 2010 began focusing on film direction, graduating from Australian Film Television and Radio School where she made two short films Mad and Moth. Her documentary Michelle's Story, commissioned by ABC TV and 2015 Adelaide Film Festival, won the Adelaide Film Festival Audience Award for Best Short Film and Screen South Australia awards for Best Short Film, Best Documentary and Best Soundtrack. In 2017 Meryl was awarded the prestigious Jim Bettison Helen James Award for her contribution to the community. In 2018 Meryl choreographed Claudel for Theatre de LAthenee in Paris and remounted her acclaimed production Furioso for Sidi Larbi Cherkaouis Royal Ballet of Flanders. For the Adelaide Festival in 2019 Meryl created two works : Two Feet, a full-length solo work for acclaimed Russian ballerina Natalia Osipova, and Zizanie for Restless Dance Theatre (for performers with and without disability) In 2019, Meryl was honoured with an Officer of Australia for her distinguished services to the performing arts. www.meryltankard.com The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Together at Last' - Actor, Singer, Teacher - Sally Bourne | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:25:31

Sally Bourne's career began at the age of 12 when she was cast in the title role in the original Australian production of the musical Annie. A role that cast her alongside Hayes Gordon, Jill Perryman and Nancye Hayes. 40+ years on from that auspicious debut performance, Sally has worked in musicals, on T.V, in cabaret, concerts and as a comedian both in Australia and in London. Her destiny as a performer seems inevitable. Her mother was a dancer/choreographer and her father, the legendary Australian actor, singer and comedian, Ernie Bourne. Her parents met at the Palais Theatre St Kilda, in the musical The Desert Song. She wasn't born in a trunk but it was pretty close. Most recently, Sally was seen in the sixth instalment of her cabaret series with Susan-ann Walker; Subtle, playing to packed houses in Melbourne. She was also featured in the ensemble cast of the new musical work Mrs Prime Minister, composed by John Thorn and written & directed by Terence O'Connell. Before this new work Sally appeared at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as a part of the improv team Spontaneous Broadway at Trades Hall. Her extensive theatre credits in Australia include; Brigadoon, Company, Moonshadow (Original Cast). The Boy From Oz, Nine, Damn Yankees, Once We Lived Here (Original Cast) & Shane Warne - The Musical (Original Cast). Television credits include Prisoner, I Can Jump Puddles, The Sullivans and Neighbours. Sally lived & worked in London from 1991 to 2004 appearing in My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hey Mr Producer, A - My Name is Alice, The John Wayne Principle & the world premier productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical; The Beautiful Game and Jerry Springer the Opera at the Royal National Theatre. During her time in London, Sally made her debut as a stand up comic with her comedy partner Lucinda Cowden & was a finalist in the 'So You Think You're Funny' awards as well as appearing at the Edinburgh Festival with the comedy troupe The Hairstyles. She can also be seen in the Alan Parker movie; Evita playing Eva's maid. Sally is also one of Melbourne's busiest singing teachers & has been on staff at some of the U.K's & Melbourne's most prestigious theatre schools, as well as directing cabaret showcases at The Victorian College of the Arts & Patrick Studio's Australia. Sally is great fun. Armed with an abundance of anecdotes, she is the perfect guest. She is also a source of tremendous knowledge, informed by her celebrated longevity in a career that is often precarious, but never dull. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'New Ways To Dream' - Actor, Writer, Director, Theatre Maker; Terence O'Connell | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:27:36

Terence O'Connell took his first steps towards a life in the theatre as dresser to the male chorus in J.C. Williamson's celebrated production of Funny Girl. The role provided the perfect vantage point to observe the machinery of a large musical, on stage and off, cementing an ambition to make theatre himself. Terence completed time as an actor working through Western Australia followed by a venture to the UK which awakened a desire to direct. Upon returning to Australia, Terence completed the Directors Course at NIDA and has subsequently, staged some 150 productions in theatres, concert halls, circus tents, cabaret rooms and comedy venues across Australia and internationally. His national touring shows include Barmaids, They're Playing Our Song, Motherhood: The Musical and The 39 Steps, The Rocky Horror Show, Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story, Busting Out, Decadence, Bouncers, Circus OZ, Flying Fruit Fly Circus and Certified Male. Terence has created many of his own productions including I Only Want To Be With You: The Dusty Springfield Story, Life On Mars: The Words And Music Of David Bowie, Cruising Paradise: Sam Shepard Tales, Greek Goddess: Melina Mercouri, Reviewing The Situation: At Home With Lionel Bart, and Minefields And Miniskirts: Australian Women And The Vietnam War. Terence was Director of Spiegelworld's outrageous circus burlesque Empireon, its international tour, and Circus Sensa at London's Albany Empire. Terence helmed nine Broadway musicals for The Production Company at Melbourne's State Theatre. These included Oklahoma, The King & I, Crazy For You, Damn Yankees, 42nd Street and The Pajama Game, and demonstrated his ease at staging big stories on a large canvas. Recently he has been adapting two Australian classics for the stage; One Crowded Hour: Neil Davis, Combat Cameraman and a music theatre adaptation of the classic memoir, I Can Jump Puddles. Mrs Prime Minister, a song cycle focussing on several prominent wives of Australian leaders, has also taken to the stage under Terence's construction and guidance. He is passionate about telling stories across all forms and styles. Whether making original, or staging established product, Terence O'Connell's work is always inspired, exciting and bound to prompt awe. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

 'Some Enchanted Evening' - Actor, Showman and Theatre Restaurant Impresario; John Newman | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:28:00

John Newman is the savvy entrepreneur who pioneered the glory of theatre restaurant in Australia, with the establishment of the iconic Tikki & John's in Melbourne. The venue fast became an institution in the city and a haven for a stellar cast of performers. With wife Tikki Taylor, he founded an entertainment dynasty spawning further theatre dining experiences such as Dracula's, Cafe Crypt and Crazyhouse. John Newman is a Geelong boy whose parents were publicans. He was born to perform and garnered early experiences entertaining hotel guests. He joined the Geelong Musical Comedy Company, a flourishing amateur group whose members also included John's brother Bill, Ernie Bourne and Barry Crocker. His success in comic and singing roles with that company, prompted him to embark on show business as a profession. He joined an outfit calling itself, rather ambitiously The South Pacific Film and Television Company, which planned to hit the high spots with a grand tour of Victorian country areas. The variety show, in which John did comedy, magic and his impressions of Groucho Marx and other stars of the day, played Geelong, Colac and Camperdown. He was next a member of the Blind Institute Concert Party, which performed everywhere in Victoria in one - and - two night stands, raising money for the institute. John stayed with the unit for two years, and then he left to go into the chorus of the J. C. Williamson Song of Norway. The run of Song of Norway was followed by a revival of Annie Get Your Gun, with Evie Hayes and Hayes Gordon, and John then went into the chorus of South Pacific, where he met Joyce Taylor (Tikki), Tikki Taylor had studied dancing at the Jenny Brennan Academy and appeared on stage for the first time in a juvenile role in Blue Mountain Melody, an Australian musical which starred Cyril Ritchard and Madge Elliott. After pursuing a classical ballet career she joined J.C. Williamsons as a show dancer, her first show being The Desert Song with Max Oldaker. Then followed Rose Marie, White Horse Inn, No, No, Nanette, The Girl Friend, Follow The Girls and Oklahoma, in which she understudied three roles, eventually playing the lead comedienne, Ado Annie. John and Tikki combined both their professional and private lives working in the same shows. They formed an act and toured it through the U.K. for eighteen months with top Australian magician The Great Levant covering England, Scotland and Wales. After that, they toured the U.S. Army bases in Europe. Back in London they saw the latest American musical hit The Pajama Game, and John knew that Tikki would be perfect for the comedy-dancing role of Gladys Hotchkiss. They rushed back to Australia and with the support of choreographer Betty Pounder and stage director Ian Roberts, Tikki managed to persuade the JCW management that it was not necessary to import an American actress for the role. This seminal production embraced an all-Australian company including Toni Lamond, Jill Perryman and John's brother Bill Newman. John worked in the chorus of The Pajama Game and joined Tikki in subsequent productions of Can-Can, For Amusement Only and Grab Me A Gondola. Tikki and John raised a family, pursued television appearances and then Tikki made a comeback to the stage as Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly. Television claimed John for a while guided by the famous American entrepreneur Larry K. Nixon; then a stint as Victorian manager for NLT Productions, and producer of The Ray Taylor Show on ATV0 in its early days. John was later Company manager for the Moscow Circus before he and Tikki made their decision to go into the restaurant business. Tikki Taylor and John Newman had show business in their blood. Both were already entertaining as children. When th...

 'Back On The Boards' - Entertainer and Musical Theatre Leading Man; Dale Burridge | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:01:55

Dale Burridge is one of Australia's most successful concert and corporate entertainers having starred in numerous musicals, concerts and corporate events all over the world. He first tread the boards professionally back in the 1980's as 'Rolf' in Britain's renowned West End Production of The Sound of Music. Dale returned to Australia in 1989, to create the role of Alan Courtney in Seven Little Australians and then featured in the 1989 production of Anything Goes with Geraldine Turner. Dale had long association with Les Miserables before joining the cast in the role of Raoul, opposite Marina Prior, in the original Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera. He played the role for two years and the following season, appeared as young Scrooge, opposite Keith Michell in the 1994 premier Australian production of Scrooge - the Musical. At this time Dale began performing in numerous concert performances throughout Australia and with Marina Prior at the Sydney Opera House. Engagements at the Melbourne Concert Hall included An Evening with Fred and Ginger with Rhonda Burchmore, From Brigadoon to Broadway with the Australian Pops Orchestra and the 1994 Morning Melodies Christmas concert. Dale has made constant appearances on Australia's various television variety shows, and was a regular performer on Bert Newton's Good Morning Australia. Dale has also performed as the featured artist on the QE2 cruise liner, performing for their international guests. Dale returned to his role in the The Phantom of the Opera before embarking on the International 1996 tour of Les Miserables in the role of the student leader, Enjorlas. Dale has been guest performer at major launches, conventions, and special events all over Australia and Asia. In 1997 he was the guest performer at the Darling Harbour Christmas Concert and Australia Day Concert. He has appeared as the guest artist with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra in A Night In Tuscany, with the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in a special Gershwin Concert series with Maestro Tommy Tycho, and on a Wiggles film. After an absence of more than two decades, Dale Burridge has returned to the stage with a funny, moving, heart felt exploration of the highs and lows of a life spent on, and off, the boards, launching his up close and personal cabaret 'At the Crossroads' in his hometown of Melbourne. Having spent the last twenty years focusing his energies on expanding his hugely successful bespoke entertainment production company, Dale felt the seductive pull to return to the intimate cabaret form; firstly in a show titled 'Back On The Boards'. He is now delighted to be returning to Sydney with his new show 'At the Crossroads', an exploration of the many twists and turns of a life in the theatre, appearing at The Hayes Theatre in April. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

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