1968
Directed ‘Woman in a Dressing Gown’.
Won three act play festival in the UK.
Performed in winning regional production. British Drama League Festival.
1969
Return to Melbourne. I perform with several amateur theatrical groups.
During this period a professional director offers to place me with an agent.
1972
Joined Actors Equity in order to pursue career as professional actress.
Gained some small screen roles in ‘Homicide’ etc.
Appeared in The Australian Ballet film ‘Don Quixote’ directed by Rudolf Nureyev.
Joined Melbourne Theatre Co. as ‘Regional Promotions Manager’ to sell ‘Ideal Husband’ and ‘Cherry Orchard’, starring Googie Withers and Frank Thring (among others) to North East Victoria. MTC invite me to stay on to sell their Student Theatre production to both city and country secondary schools. This did not satisfy my need to act so eventually I successfully audition for:
1973-78
‘Children’s Arena Theatre’ (C.A.T. was to my knowledge, Australia’s first State and Federally funded ‘Theatre in Education’ company). I worked here for five years, as Actress, Tour Manager, Designer, Writer, Innovator and Creative Drama instructor.
Regularly loaned out to community groups and High Schools in the latter capacity. During this time I performed in almost every High School in Victoria, and many Primary Schools.
1974
I direct the Robin Maughn play, ‘Enemy’ for Williamstown Little Theatre. It wins the Cordell Awards for best production and best actor.
1975-76
Also performed six nights a week in ‘Theatre Restaurant’ at the Chevron Hotel in the first commercial production of ‘Dimboola Wedding’ (Aunt Aggie) and ‘Goodbye Ted’ (Doreen).
1976-78
Managed to squeeze in a number of minor roles on screen in ‘Tandarra’, ‘Power Without Glory’, ‘Bellbird’ and ‘Matlock Police’. Also my first leading role in an ABC drama called ‘Obsession’ opposite John Mellion.
1978
My first musical. Played the leading role of Margot Channing in ‘Applause’ (Festival Theatre Company). Directed by Peter Tulloch.
Directed two Theatre Restaurant productions.
Cast as Bea Smith in the Reg Grundy/Channel 10 TV series ‘Prisoner’.
1979
‘Prisoner’ continues. I also play Carlotta in Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ for Festival Theatre Co.
I am permitted time off to play Mrs. Montaubyn in the ABC mini-series of the Boyd novel ‘Outbreak of Love’.
1980
‘Prisoner’ is sold to the USA (and has a prime time audience of 39,000,000!) thus pioneering the Australian accent and idiom on American screens.
Play Lil Delaney in the major feature film ‘Kitty and the Bagman’.
Elected to the Equity Special Film and Television Committee.
Also elected to steering committee attempting to get an Australian Screen Actors Guild off the ground ... an unsuccessful venture.
1981
‘Prisoner’ continues, now being sold to a further five countries.
‘Prisoner’ – Four of us win a Penguin Award for ensemble acting.
‘Prisoner in Concert’ is shot live at Pentridge.
I become active in a number of Anti Drug Abuse campaigns. These include Odyssey House, SEED (Supportive Environment for Elimination of Drugs) and AFADD (Australian Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Dependence). Through Channel 10, I arrange the shooting and screening of a community services anti drug abuse ad for AFADD in which I appear. I am invited to speak at the inaugural meeting of a new anti drug abuse organisation the WINDANA Society.
1982
‘Prisoner’ continues.
Best Actress Logie.
Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress.
I appear as guest artist in two editions of the ABC’s ‘Saturday Show’.
During my stint in ‘Prisoner’ I also appeared in countless Telethons, and Interview and Chat Shows all over the country. My interview with Michael Parkinson was included in ‘The Best of Parkinson in Oz!’.
I am accepted as an assessor for the Australian Council. In this capacity I attend stage performances and submit written evaluations.
1983
‘Prisoner’ continues, but I resign and leave on Friday 13th May!
Best Actress Logie.
Guest presenter at the Logie Awards.
I go to Sydney to play (Mum) in ‘Trafford Tanzy’, directed by Rodney Fisher.
1984
Play Bert Facey’s Mother in the TV Mini Series ‘A Fortunate Life’.
Direct a production (Verity) St. Martins Youth Theatre.
Tour of ‘Farewell Brisbane Ladies’ in Hobart, Devonport and Launceston, followed by a Melbourne season at the Universal Theatre.
Play Momma Morton in an independent production of the musical ‘Chicago’ in Canberra.
Several guest television roles including ‘Prime Time’ and ‘Flying Doctors’.
1985
Royal Queensland Theatre Company production of ‘In Duty Bound’ (Fania).
Concert Tour of New Zealand.
St. Kilda Theatreworks production ‘Cake’.
1986
Seven months national tour (including) Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Geraldton for the Elizabethan Theatre Trust in ‘The Foreigner’ (Betty).
TV Mini Series ‘Army Wives’ (Mum).
1987
Melbourne Theatre Company. ‘A Street Car Named Desire’ (Eunice). Director Roger Hodgeman.
Melbourne Theatre Company, ‘Lie Of The Mind’ (Lorraine). Director Simon Phillips.
Feature film, ‘I Live With Me Dad’.
1988
Melbourne Theatre Company, in the Australian Bicentennial play ‘Touch Of Silk’. Director Terry Clarke.
1989
Invited to the UK by the ‘Prisoner’ Fan Club, for a three-month tour of personal appearances. Ended up staying for seven years. With the exception of one job all my UK work was in the Theatre including:
Three productions for the ‘Redgrave Theatre’, Farnham, ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ (Mrs. Boulton), ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover The Trial Of The Book’ (Oxford Don), and ‘The Secret Of Beatrix Potter’ (Beatrix Potter).
1989-96
‘The Key Theatre’, Peterborough, ‘Steel Magnolias’ (Ouiser), ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ (Miss Daisy), ‘Chicago’ (Momma Morton).
One production for the ‘Birmingham Repertory Theatre’, Birmingham, ‘Summer Of The 17th Doll’ (Pearl).
Summer Season Ramsgate: ‘Wizard of Oz’ (Wicked Witch of the West).
One production for the ‘Thorndyke Theatre’, Leatherhead (Steel Magnolias)
One production for the ‘Wolsey Theatre’, Ipswich, ‘When we are Married’
One production for ‘The Opera House’, Manchester, Aladdin’ (Empress of China).
Television commercial for Phostrogen plant food (Jack’s mother).
Buxton Opera House: ‘Anyone For Murder’ (Jean).
The Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon, ‘Misery’ (Annie Wilkes).
Directed ‘French Paste’ for the ‘Coliseum Theatre’, Oldham.
Directed ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ for the ‘Pomegranate Theatre’, Chesterfield.
Appeared in ‘Law of the Land’ (Mrs. Jenkins)
Appeared in the feature film ‘Wilderness’ (The Vet)
I also appear in several ‘Number One’ Tours (National tours of the best theatre venues) in the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
1996-2004
Since my return to Australia I’ve had several guest roles in ‘Blue Heelers’, ‘Good Guys, Bad Guys’, ‘Something In The Air’, ‘MDA’ a major role in the ABC telemovie ‘Secret Bridesmaids Business’. Adjudicated the ‘Royal South Street’ and Ipswich one act play festivals.
2005
Guest appearance at The Memorabilia Exhibition Weekend - Birmingham N.E.C.
Directed 'Winter Solstice' for the Short & Sweet Festival at The Melbourne Arts Centre.
2006/2007
Jally Productions revival of Nell Dunn's play 'Steaming'.
Three month tour of South-East Queensland. Directed and also Starred.
2007
One month tour of Personal Appearances in the UK including Ipswich, Sutton Coldfield and Edinburgh.
Also guest appearances at the March/April 'Memorabilia' exhibition weekend - Birmingham NEC.
May: Return to Australia, to play dibs in Hannie Raison's acclaimed play 'Inheritance' - Director: Chris Bendall.
I agree to do three short films for three young directors:
'The Opening' - Director; Robert Lane.
'Lapse' - Director: Scott Alexander.
'Smitten' - Director: Grey Rogers.
2008
Feb: 'Smitten' is a finalist in Tropfest 2008. (Worldwide Short Film Festival).
