Summary: Rodney Delaney has relished a life in the theatre as a performer and director. The recent period has seen him provide the most essential of roles; that as Dresser for artists and productions at Opera Australia. He is passionate about the Arts and in a conversation one always manages to glean new knowledge, generous compliment, an analysis of a recent theatrical offering and generally some delicious showbiz news. Starting out in Brisbane he was enamoured with the theatre from a young age, having walked past a theatre presenting Call Me Madam, and starring the great Evie Hayes. He sensed something was different about this building and quickly established a rapport with the leading lady. Work in the theatre and revue allowed him an opportunity to learn the structure of a show and to read an audience. A chance meeting landed him in the touring production of The Sound of Music and a quick brush with the character of Rolf. A period working in television working as a Set Dresser gave him more skills before a career in directing for the stage came to the fore. Together with Matthew O'Sullivan, Betty Cheal and Lynne Porteous he established the Actor's Company; the first serious attempt at a professional co-operative theatre in Sydney. The Company staged their productions in various spaces in Kings Cross and Paddington, ultimately finding a home in the Esme Hackett Memorial Hall in Ultimo. A diverse repertoire was presented including Play It Again Sam, A Taste of Honey, Look Back in Anger, The Foursome, The Caretaker and Naked Hamlet. The company lasted over four years but was dismantled in 1979 after a production of The Glass Menagerie. Musical theatre is a passion , along with our great leading ladies. We begin our conversation dissecting the iconic work Gypsy and the many stars who have navigated the role of Rose in the show. He is a font of theatrical knowledge and great company. It is always a treat to hear about the many stages of Rodney Delaney.
