STAGES with Peter Eyers

Every Sunday night, for the past 15 years, a weekly Drag celebration has been presented at Sydney's Stonewall Hotel on iconic Oxford Street. Polly's Follies is a Sydney institution having commenced life at the famous Albury Hotel some 28 years ago. Presiding over this has been the doyen of Sydney Drag, Polly Petrie; a tough broad with humour as dry as the Sahara, the glamour of Zsa Zsa Gabor and the steely command of Joan Crawford. Polly Petrie is also Drag Mother to a host of novice drag queens taking their first steps into this colourful world of performance. Polly takes a maternal approach to the rookies; mentoring, guiding and passing on her infinite wisdom. Polly is the creation of Craig Petrie, a ballroom dancer who was initially discovered working behind a bar, by choreographer Ross Coleman. He was thrust into the role of back-up dancer to many celebrated drag queens of the past, who lead the shows at famed Capriccios - a prominent venue on Oxford street with extravagant shows of big casts and glamorous costumes. In a fascinating conversation Polly gives us an insight into the early scene as a performer; one that continues to engage him in the persona of which he is famous around the world. He explains the origin of the follies and the link with the musical The Boyfriend, that gave him his drag name. It is a life rich with fabulous experiences and encounters. We recorded this conversation in his famous 'caravan', a place that accommodates his extensive wardrobe. What a treat to sit down with Miss Polly Petrie.

Amy Maiden seems to have done it all. Entering the entertainment industry as an Actor, she has also embraced the roles of Producer, Podcaster, Publicist, General Manager, Advocate, Cruise Director and Front Singer of The Mabels. As a passionate proponent of the Arts from the age dot, it would seem that Maiden was always going to be a Woman of the Theatre - her challenge would be 'which hat fits best?' Upon graduation from the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts she worked extensively for the Disney organisation. Add Mouseketeer to the list! Time in London followed and new opportunities in the marketing of musicals. Impressive organisational skills and an enthusiasm to accept any challenge presented, saw her lead a passionate response to the 2009 Victorian bushfires - collaborating with a team of committed Aussies to present a hugely successful concert, staged at The Palace Theatre in the West End. The attention and excellence garnered by the concert, resulted in a visit to The Palace. Administration engagements at home have seen her in leadership roles at the Australian Theatre for Young People and The Sydney Festival, demonstrating further enterprise and accolade. A new chapter is soon to launch with a move to Melbourne and a return to global marketing agency AKA. A theatre foyer would be incomplete without the presence of Amy Maiden. She is a champion of anyone wanting to create stories for the stage. She's traversed many exciting stages and she's ready to make many more stories.

Mark Morrissey is one of the elders of the Agent profession in Australia. Now in his 34th year, Morrissey Management represents and guides the careers of many of our finest actors on local and world stages. Morrissey began his career as an actor in television shows like Rafferty's Rules, Sons and Daughters and Prisoner; a perfect vantage point to garner essential experience by observing work behind the camera. The knowledge acquired would inform his ambition and understanding, ultimately propelling him into a position as one of the country's best. As this week's guest, he reflects on how the role of the Agent has changed over past decades and how it prepares for a changing media landscape moving forward. He has a breadth of experience, he is generous with his support of talent and ever keen to create new and exciting work. In creating work, Morrissey has also served as Executive Producer on a number of ventures including the documentaries Molly: The Real Thing and The Road to Freedom Peak, the television mini-series Molly, and the programs Sarah's Channel and Boys in the Trees. A meeting with Mark is met with charm, calm and a keen desire to contribute to an ever evolving industry. Available in iTunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa.

Community Theatre experience, performing in plays and musicals, offers an opportunity to develop skills and socialise. It can also provide a safe and nurturing haven to explore burgeoning talents and connect with a broad audience. In this episode we examine the role of community theatre with three performers who have cultivated quite an impressive repertoire of roles, in the work they have done whilst serving their local communities, via their musical societies. Wendy Holgate, Laurel Johnson and Liz Kolisnyk have accumulated 110 years experience between them in their participation with community theatre groups - serving as performers, directors, producers and committee members. Roles that their families continue to do, as generational involvement takes up the baton. These women are old friends and have much to say. They provide another fascinating insight into practitioners who traverse the many stages, of Stages. Available in iTunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa.

STAGES most popular guest in our first season was Geraldine Turner. She delivered fascinating anecdotes and observations from a stellar career in show business, that continues to reward and frustrate. There have been more than a few requests to get her back on STAGES for further reflections and wisdom. The first section of this interview was recorded earlier in the year when Geraldine was about to set forth on delivering a role that had escaped her on four previous occasions. We all hoped that Turner had finally been given the chance to deliver a role, tailor made for her extensive talents, life-experience and accomplished skill in the musical theatre ..... the role of Mama Rose, in the musical Gypsy. Prior to commencing rehearsals, Turner talked to STAGES about preparing such a role, the opportunities to play Rose that had escaped her previously, and the palpable excitement she experienced in the recognition of realising Rose was only months away. Frustratingly, that was not to be. And the cold, hard understanding that Gypsy had escaped her once again, was met with outrage and disappointment by eager fans waiting in anticipation. Turner was just stunned. So what must that feel like? How does a performer maintain belief in their ability within a precarious industry? How can a performer and a role avoid merger five times? What happened? The epilogue to this conversation provides a fascinating insight to a unique experience. However, throughout the episode we also get to discuss some of the great Musical Theatre composers that Geraldine has met and worked with - Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Alan J. Lerner and Lionel Bart - to name but a few. Hers is a rich, illustrious and vital career. So, on with the show - and it seems only right to say ..... Here she is boys, here she is world. Here's Geraldine!

Community Theatre provides an opportunity for the amateur practitioner to practice and develop their creative skills in a variety of roles - these include direction, design, front-of-house, marketing and of course, performance. The term amateur defines one who participates in a pursuit without payment but is driven by passion. Community theatre is a platform for passion - it provides for participants, who have a desire to make the arts their profession, their first precious steps into the precarious and wonderful world of the theatre. A great deal of fun is had along the way as participants collaborate with other like-minds in a setting that provides a cherished social interaction and develops valuable skills; whilst also providing audiences, in suburban and regional areas, with perhaps their only access to live performance. Carla Moore is a drama educator and playwright. For the past 17 years she has served as President of the Chester Street Theatre in Epping, Sydney. The company works out of a church hall and programs 3 productions a year. All are eagerly attended by an enthusiastic local and loyal audience. A subscription package is offered but they do not receive any other funding. Companies like Chester Street theatre rely on their box office to function. Carla joined STAGES to discuss the vital necessity of such companies and the essential role they play.

Peter Casey is one of Australia's most versatile Musical Directors, having established a career spanning the genres of musical theatre, arena presentations, symphonic concerts, orchestration, television and recording. Over several decades he has been at the helm for many commercial musical theatre productions; guiding, nurturing and supporting talent as they navigate the storytelling required by this demanding genre. Mr Casey has been Musical Director on a vast array of shows that have covered different styles and the work of many composers. These include Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, The king and I, Evita, The Producers, Chicago, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Wizard of Oz, Company, Song and Dance, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Anything Goes and Annie. He has been an Orchestrator and Arranger for many Australian artists including Anthony Warlow, Debra Byrne, Olivia Newton-John, David Hobson and John Farnham. Peter Casey has worked extensively in South East Asia, co-composing and orchestrating several musical productions, operas and recordings in Singapore and Korea. He was co-composer and Orchestrator for the Korean musical opera The Last Empress, which toured to London, Los Angeles and New York, and the Orchestrator and Conductor for the Korean film, Typhoon. He has been Guest Conductor and Orchestrator for the West Australian Symphony, Adelaide Symphony and Queensland Symphony Orchestras. In 2018 Peter Casey was named on the Queen's Birthday Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of 40 years of service to the Musical Theatre industry. Stages conversations available in iTunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa.

Stand-up comedy is an art form requiring tremendous courage, quick wit and unique charm. Speaking directly to a live audience, the performance can deliver the comic terrific euphoria, or bewildering frustration, as the humour lands perfectly or somehow misses the mark. It is acknowledged as the freest form of comedy writing and regarded as an extension of the person performing, who often draws upon their own lived experience. Doug Chappel is a Melbourne based comedian who draws on such experience, citing that he performs 'routines' rather than 'jokes'. His is a career that has provided many triumphs, much travel and a very occasional silence. He takes this all in his stride and as potential fodder for future material. Chappel has been a professional comedian for over 10 years and delivers his work with engaging energy, a flexible face, amusing observation and buckets of charm. He has toured internationally, been the headline act in every major comedy club in Australia, while also headlining Comedy Clubs all over the UK, Ireland and Scotland. He has performed in the exclusive Jongleurs Comedy Club London and The World Famous London Comedy Store. Doug has also performed in over 15 Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows, alongside some of the country's biggest names & he is a popular choice amongst some of Australia's biggest Football Clubs, Sportsmen Nights, Charity Events and Corporate Functions. He has performed for our troops in Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, played cruise ships, worked with indigenous communities and schools and toured with some big personalities. All contributing to a rich palette of experiences and shaping his comic sensibilities. Chappel is currently in training for a Boxing bout on August 2nd when he takes a different sort of centre-stage. Pretender to Contender gives every-day people the opportunity to take centre stage and test themselves under the bright lights of Victoria's premiere boxing venue, the Melbourne Pavilion. Doug joined Stages to to discuss the joys and bruises of the comedy stage and in the ring. Available in iTunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa.

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.

Nicholas Brown is an artist of many dimensions - actor, playwright, singer, songwriter and screenwriter. The Australian-Indian actor has explored many roles, from genial host on Playschool, presenting a multicultural face to a young audience; and a foray into the celebrated Bollywood Film Industry, making his mark in a succession of villainous characters. Direct from secondary education, Brown was one of the youngest actors to be accepted into training at NIDA. Roles in Packed to the rafters, White Collar Blue, Home and Away and The Cooks followed - along with unique experiences performing in theatre at various international festivals. Songwriting and performing has always been a passion - and for several years he hosted SBS Radio's Pop Desi program, broadcasting the biggest Bollywood, Bhangra and Desi pop selection in Australia. A move to Mumbai saw him develop a repertoire of Bollywood films including Love You to Death, Sedition, Prattichayya and the lead role in the highly successful Kites. In 2016 his play Lighten Up (co-authored by Sam McCool) was presented at the Griffin Theatre. The play told "a universal tale of identity, cultural assimilation and bleaching your bits". He sat down with Stages to examine his work in Australia and abroad, and the crucial consideration of diversity on our screens and stages; effectively representing and reflecting an ever-evolving Australian population. Nicholas Brown is currently appearing in the Australian premiere production of Come From Away. The musical opens tonight in Melbourne. It plays the Comedy Theatre, before a tour to other States. Stages episodes available in iTunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa

For 22 years the Stage Door at The Lyric Theatre in Sydney has been attended by John C. Goad. He is a charming and generous soul, with a wicked sense of humour and a valiant sense of duty. He has seen the comings and goings of many a theatrical as they have taken up occupancy at the theatre, playing a season and then moving on. The Stage Door is the entrance to the magic and illusion of the theatre. Through this door our storytellers pass. International and local names, jobbing actors, ensembles and company members, enter and depart the building from this artery. Some return with other shows and some provide only fleeting glimpses, but all depend on the efficiency and protection of Stage Door Johnny - a nickname anointed on John from the great Marlene Dietrich, when he was working at stage doors in London. Goad was raised in Papua New Guinea, where he developed his love of performance and story-telling. As a member of various theatre groups he toured the country presenting shows in English and Pidgin. The absence of a pen-friend began his writing to theatre, film, sporting and political identities around the world. This often lead to lengthy correspondence and occasional meetings. In 1979 he landed in London to commence employment as Personal Assistant to the late British actor Patrick Cargill. Goad studied acting with Studio 68 and was a founding member of Stage 80. He has worked as an actor, singer, interpreter, and PA; also front-of-house and at stage door, allowing him unique observations of the business from all angles. Sydney Lyric Theatre has housed almost 100 productions in its life thus far. It's also hosted an array of world names, but one essential commonality for all of the artists is the access they must gain via the stage door. Fair to say, this procession has garnered some fascinating encounters and observations. John C. Goad joined STAGES for an insightful chat about the duty, the discretion and the dedication of the Stage Door Keeper. Discover more at stagedoorjohhny.com

Nick Hardcastle is charisma on legs. A vibrant personality, it is no surprise that he has enjoyed success in various fields around the world. He may be immediately recognisable as Summer Bay resident Tim O'Connell in Home and Away or as the genial host of Video Hits. His TV credits extend to extensive work as presenter on a range of shows that have included Saturday Disney and five seasons of the highly popular Creature Features. No stranger to the stage, Nick has scored theatrical credits in Australia, London and Los Angeles. These include the role of Felicia in the musical, Priscilla the Queen of the Desert and Damian in Reuben Guthrie. All this experience lead him to co-found the Australian Theatre Company - a theatrical venture that showcases Australian repertoire and harnesses the array of Australian talent working in the U.S.; fostering a creative and meaningful cultural exchange. He is presently working on a show that celebrates the legendary Hollywood Costume Designer, Orry Kelly. The show, Orry, was recently invited to launch Celebration Theatre's New Works Program in the city of West Hollywood. As actor, presenter, producer, recording artist and with gigs on radio, Nick is essentially an entertainment Renaissance man. Currently based in LA, he was back recently for a brief visit, and as ever, it is always a treat and a chuckle to spend some time with Nick.

Phil Scott has many strings on his long bow - actor, writer, pianist, singer, composer, reviewer and broadcaster. Adept across several mediums he has ensured that anyone who is present in his audience is guaranteed several smiles, much guffaw and rapt awe at his rapier wit and keyboard dexterity. He was a pivotal on-stage member of the annual STC Wharf Revue for 18 years demonstrating how satire deftly allows a community to examine itself.The titles alone conjure the sort of treat to be devoured - Free Petrol, Sunday in Iraq with George, Much Revue About Nothing and Pennies From Kevin. He also wrote and performed for several ABC television series'.These include Good News Week,Three Men and a Baby Grand and The Gillies Report. Extending his writing to the narrative form, he has had four comic novels published in Australia and the U.S. with such fabulous titles as One Dead Diva, It's About Your Friend, Gay Resort Murder Shock and Mardi Gras Murders. He is a cabaret veteran, having first explored the form in 1983 with his solo show, A Legend in His Own Mind. He has appeared at venues around Australia and has been a regular at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Most recently he performed a one-man show about the English songwriter Lionel Bart titled Reviewing the Situation and contributed writing and performance to the biographical work Mario, about the life and music of Mario Lanza. His talents have also been present in the evolution of a significant number of cabaret performances as co-creator - The Twink and the Showgirl, Pop Princess, Newley Discovered, Gentlemen Prefer Blokes, Fat Swan, Little Orphan Trashley, Diamonds are For Trevor and Liza's Back (is broken). Oh! And he's written a couple of Musicals as well. Next up is a season of his new show (with Jonathan Biggins) No Cabaret For Old Men. It will feature as one of the highlights of the 2019 Sydney International Cabaret Festival on now. Phil talks cabaret and much more in this absorbing episode of STAGES.

Trevor Ashley has accomplished a number of roles - Director, Writer, Producer, Musician, Actor, Singer, Drag performer and Superstar ... he can now add Impresario to the extensive list of credits populating his CV. Ashley is about to give birth to his very first celebration of international cabaret - as founder and Artistic Director of the Sydney International Cabaret Festival arriving in the city from July 5th to 14th. No stranger to cabaret, Ashley made his performing debut at Sydney's previous dalliance with the art form; an annual festival conducted at the SydneyTown Hall. Since then he has of course given us celebrated performances in shows that have affectionately rendered Liza Minelli, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner and Susan Boyle. He has also presented personally tailored pantomimes .... crowd pleasers that have included Black Swan,The Bodybag and Little Orphan Trashley. All have content that launches from the stage into an unsuspecting audience, exploding with tremendous energy, wicked storytelling, joyous laughter and an abundance of naughty. It is these traits that have made Ashley a consummate cabaret performer and have guided him in the selection of an exciting program of performance for the inaugural Sydney International Cabaret Festival. It is a program of which he is very proud and excited. And one that we cannot wait to see! Trevor Ashley was a guest of ours in season 1, episode 4 of STAGES. He returns for a second time to discuss his exciting program and the magical, theatrical form of Cabaret.

For 30 years Aaron Farley and his Drag persona Minnie Cooper have been entertaining audiences from Oxford street to Oxford circus. A happy accident in 2003 saw Farley fall into the art of Drag and a new Diva was born. Miss Minnie Cooper is an enamoured part of the Drag Industry and a recipient of more Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVAs) than just about anyone, and has been awarded Entertainer of the Year on a record number of four occasions. This new dimension in Farley's career followed an established position in many commercial musical productions throughout Australia including The Witches of Eastwick, Showboat, Crazy For You, Chicago and Singin' in The Rain. It all commenced with a triumphant debut in the dance hit Hot Shoe Shuffle - the phenomenon created by choreographer David Atkins that conquered stages in Australia and the U.K. Successful turns as a choreographer and director have also allowed Farley to flex his creative muscle, teaching a new legion of performers and constructing engaging artistry for audiences. Mr Farley and Miss Cooper join the illustrious line-up for the inaugural Sydney International Cabaret Festival. He hosts the Late Night Cabaret Lounge at The Seymour Centre on the debut evening of the Festival. Aaron Farley joined Stages to discuss his drag persona, his passion for performance and and all that glitters. Available in itunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa