Stages With Peter Eyers

Claire de Lune is the alter ego of Restaurateur and Chef, Marc Kuzma. Claire has been a mainstay in Sydney’s Gay life for several decades while Marc has been a celebrated mainstay of our food scene. Claire de Lune gained fast notoriety after her 17 cooking segments on Channel 9 “The Midday Show” with Kerrie Anne. She then did her Drag apprenticeship by working in most of Sydney Gay and Lesbian venues. Renowned for her kooky sense of humour, Claire was often in demand on TV, radio and for corporate functions. Claire career peeked in 2000 by winning 3 DIVA (drag industry variety award) including entertainer of the year, best cast 3 & under for Lady Penelope’s Baby with Verushka Darling, and an award for her charity work, particularly for the AIDS Trust of Australia, an award also won in 2001. Claire also took part in the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games and was part of the entertainment at the Olympic village during the Paralympic games. 2001 was a great year with From D’Rags To Riches, Claire d

Tony Sattler possesses a comic brain that has served audiences a vast helping of laughter, via a healthy diet of sketch and situation comedy on Australian television. Through classic programs such as The Naked Vicar Show and Kingswood Country he has created a legacy of television that has not only caused mirth but has left an indelible cultural mark. It is this impact that lead the Sound & Film Archive to label him, ‘socially significant’. It is a description he laughs off, but these highly popular programs gave us permission to laugh at ourselves, and influenced a colloquial language as folk borrowed the iconic catchphrases invented by the writers for the characters. Who hasn’t uttered, ‘Leave the money on the fridge’, ‘You’re not wrong Narelle’ or ‘Pickle me Grandmother’? Tony Sattler was working as a creative director for the advertising agency George Patterson Y&R in Brisbane in 1972, when he met fellow copywriter Gary Reilly. They worked on the production of commercials and jingles in Sydney.

Carlotta is an Australian cabaret performer and television celebrity. She began her career as an original member of the long-running Les Girls cabaret show, performed entirely by heavily costumed males, which started in 1963 in the purpose built Les Girls building which stood on a prominent corner in the heart of Sydney's Kings Cross, New South Wales. The building was owned by Sydney identity Abe Saffron. Carlotta rose through the ranks of the show to eventually become the show's compere and its most famous member. Les Girls and Carlotta soon became must-see attractions for visitors to Sydney and the show was popular with visiting international celebrities. The show continued in the Les Girls building until 1993, the Les Girls show went on-the-road, touring Australia, which inspired the film "Priscilla Queen of the Desert". The Les Girls building, which was still standing intact with original 1960s features, throughout the 1990s was the venue for alternative cabaret, including the much loved Sunday night cl

Adam Mada has been entertaining audiences and creating custom magic and Illusion shows internationally for more than 20 years. As a leading magician, entertainer and Magic / Illusions consultant Adam Mada has his audiences spellbound with spectacular stage shows and cutting edge magic performances with an affectionate nod to the golden era of magic. He was the Magic and Illusions coach to the Australian production of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child – parts 1 and 2, and the magic & illusion consultant and coach for the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art. Adam is also the magic/illusion designer for the highly anticipated stage adaptation of Mem Fox’s Australian classic ‘Possum Magic’. Adam’s highly sought after live and digital performances are in demand throughout the world, playing everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to The Royal Bombay Yacht Club. He is the founder and director of Magic Inc. a company that creates bespoke custom magic illusions and performances for advertising

Tobin Saunders is a freelance performer, writer, choreographer, dancer, actor, DJ and events Co-ordinator/producer. Combining elements of contemporary dance, expressive movement, popular culture, social comment and satire, Tobin’s work could be described as - Pastiche! Over the past 30 years he has been involved in theatre works, production and performance at Mardi Gras, in fashion parades, film, and dance variety at Belvoir St Theatre. Tobin is now working solo with the Vanessa Wagner character and is also freelancing as an actor. He appears on TV as a social commentator and contemporary icon. His eclectic experience and skills have enabled Tobin to produce work that is fresh, challenging and innovative. Avoiding the labels of “Dance”, “Theatre” or “Comedy”, he combines all into a vibrant hybrid. Vanessa Wagner is one of Australia’s most colourful and entertaining identities. She started as a dedicated housewife and part time hostess. Vanessa was crowned Sydney Mardi G

As a teen I religiously tuned into a weekly program broadcast nationally on ABC radio. This program, was the ‘go to’ source for everyone to learn the latest theatre news. This treasure trove program was called ‘The Showman’ and was hosted by a celebrated announcer called John West. Demonstrating an enormous appreciation for the theatre and the arts, West was able to combine his profession and passion through ‘The Showman’.  Other than subscribing to monthly theatre magazines, and without the existence of the www, this much anticipated weekly radio broadcast was our window to what was happening on stages around Australia; and also carried news from New York and London. Correspondents such as Terry Hughes and Stan Pretty would enthusiastically provide details and description of what was ‘the latest’ from Broadway and West End theatres. Via the platform of radio, and through informed and passionate announcers, the show ignited imagination and informed intensely to those listening from afar. Two of STAGES fa

The role of the Intimacy Coordinator is to support a screen or stage production by providing a safe, professional environment and clear structure and process for the choreography of intimate content. In the same way a stunt coordinator is engaged to realise a scene with physical risk, the Intimacy Coordinator is engaged to realise a creative, repeatable, and safe intimate scene. They are someone who works with the director, creatives, and actors to ensure that any scenes that require a certain level of intimacy are done so safely and respectfully, with everyone’s comfort levels and consent being addressed. It is a new role that observers of, and participants in the Industry, are still becoming familiar with. To enlighten us and to dispel any of the mystery, STAGES welcomes to this episode an old friend and champion of the entertainment industry in Australia, Chloe Dallimore. Chloe is known to audiences for a swag of stage triumphs in Musical Theatre including Crazy For You, Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, The Prod

Elaine Hudson is an actor/director/producer/teacher. She trained at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) and has worked in theatre, film and television. Directing credits include Endgame (Lookout Theatre); The Lady from Dubuque (Downstairs Belvoir); Poles Apart (Stables Theatre); The Death of Peter Pan; After the Fall (Associate Director), Relative Comfort, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, Gross Indecency/The Importance of Being Earnest and Seven Little Australians (new theatre); The Man Who Came to Dinner (Genesian Theatre), A Touch of Paradise (Downstairs Belvoir) and  Young Dramatists – Page to Stage (Co-Artistic Director 1999 – 2013 ), Heir Raising for Mardi Gras 2009 and Associate Director on Trapped in Mykonos, Downstairs Seymour 2013. Acting credits include roles for Sydney Theatre Company, including a celebrated Elizabeth Proctor in Richard Wherret’s often mentioned The Crucible;

The opportunity to view ‘live’ theatrical performance from the comfort of home is an experience to which many of us have given indulgent thought. Competing with the ordeal of travel, parking and audience, especially in the time of Covid, is never an attractive proposition. However, we do so, because nothing can replace the visceral engagement of witnessing a company of performers and creatives conjure stories right there in front of us. Living in the big cities can make this ritual commonplace; but it is a practice that is not available to many keen theatre-goers. Patrons in regional centres, immunocompromised viewers and those looking for affordable and accessible tickets are likely to miss out on the work presented by our national theatre, dance, music and opera companies. Australian Theatre Live is a new experience of performance allowing us to see quality theatre on digital platforms while also preserving for eternity what is an ephemeral night in the theatre. Australian Theatre Live has just launched a s

Tahu Matheson has worked for Opera Australia since 2007. He became Head of Music for the company in 2017. He studied piano with Kalle Randalu in Germany, and with Oleg Stepanov and Natasha Vlassenko at the Queensland Conservatorium, where he completed his Master of Music. He is a frequent accompanist for international artists including Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Anthony Dean Griffey, Yvonne Kenny and Emma Matthews. His Opera Australia repertoire includes - Conductor of Tosca, L’elisir d’amore, The Magic Flute and The Pearlfishers at Sydney Opera House; Aida on the Beach and tours of Don Giovanni. Tahu was Assistant Conductor of the Ring Cycle, Bliss, Falstaff, Otello, Rigoletto, Carmen, Capriccio, Of Mice and Men, The Barber of Seville, Lucia di Lammermoor, Werther, The Magic Flute, La Bohème, La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, La sonnambula, Orpheus in the Underworld, A Streetcar Named Desire, Billy Budd and Don Giovanni. For other companies Tahu has conducted Kurt Weill’s Th

Sal Sharah is an actor and singer who studied at the Actors Conservatory under the tutelage of Brian Syron and Henry Bannister. He trained in singing with Dot Mendoza and Dance with Keith Bain. Sal’s Theatre credits include the role of Sahir in Jump for Jordan (Griffin), Miss Julie (STC), Les Enfants du Paradis (Belvoir), The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (STC), Hakawati (National Theatre of Parramatta/Sydney Festival), Felliniada (Belvoir/Auto de Fe); Salome (Crossroads); My Son the Lawyer is Drowning (Ensemble Theatre); Alex & Eve (Bulldog Theatre Company) and Grace Under Pressure. Musical theatre forays include Guys and Dolls, Aladdin, Grease, Sunset Boulevard and My Fair Lady. Sal originated the role of Riff Raff in Australia, in Harry M. Millar’s celebrated production of The Rocky Horror Show. Sal’s Television credits include a host of classic and groundbreaking programs; The Code, Rake, Major Crime, East West 101, Water Rats, All Saints, Wildside, Heartbr

Amelia Cormack is a New York based singer, actor, musician, voice over artist and songwriter.  She is currently Fate 1 in Hadestown on Broadway.  Originally from Australia, she has credits in theatre, film, television, voice over, and cabaret in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US. She was an original Diva in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - The Musical, and performed the role in Australia and New Zealand for nearly 2 years, then went on to reprise the role on London’s West End. Most recently in Australia she performed the role of Tilly Devine in Razorhurst for the Hayes Theatre Company. She has toured the US with Kinky Boots, Les Miserables and Come From Away, and originated the role of Raven Johnson in Douglas Lyons and Ethan Pakchar’s Beau. Most recently, she appeared in the world premiere of the online musical Your Musical is Cancelled - The Musical. As a singer and songwriter, Amelia has released 2 self-titled albums, and is featured on the original cast recordings of Priscilla, Queen of

Sal Sharah is an actor and singer who studied at the Actors Conservatory under the tutelage of Brian Syron and Henry Bannister. He trained in singing with Dot Mendoza and Dance with Keith Bain. Sal’s Theatre credits include the role of Sahir in Jump for Jordan (Griffin), Miss Julie (STC), Les Enfants du Paradis (Belvoir), The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (STC), Hakawati (National Theatre of Parramatta/Sydney Festival), Felliniada (Belvoir/Auto de Fe); Salome (Crossroads); My Son the Lawyer is Drowning (Ensemble Theatre); Alex & Eve (Bulldog Theatre Company) and Grace Under Pressure. Musical theatre forays include Guys and Dolls, Aladdin, Grease, Sunset Boulevard and My Fair Lady. Sal originated the role of Riff Raff in Australia, in Harry M. Millar’s celebrated production of The Rocky Horror Show. Sal’s Television credits include a host of classic and groundbreaking programs; The Code, Rake, Major Crime, East West 101, Water Rats, All Saints, Wildside, Heartbr

Mandy Bishop is a graduate of the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Known and revered for her deft impersonation of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Mandy is also an actor, comedian, musician and writer of considerable accomplishment. Commencing her career with the celebrated A cappella group Bite My Chilli, Mandy toured Australia performing concert and corporate entertainment, while also developing skills in producing and arts management. Her theatre credits are extensive and include a variety of of repertoire; The Pillowman, Boston Marriage, Fallen Angels, Vicious Streaks, Angry Penguins and Withering Heights. On television she has been seen in Heartbreak High, Blue Heelers, All Saints, Big Sky, My Place, Rake and Drop Dead Weird. Most recently she appeared in Anyone Can Whistle for Neglected Musicals. Mandy has collaborated with producer Michael Bourchier on two children's television series; The Upside Down Show, on which she played the role of Mrs. Foil in every episo

Lisa Maza is a singer, actor, writer and film-maker. It is no surprise that she has accomplished such vast artistic endeavour, growing up surrounded by theatre-makers; her father being the legendary trailblazer, Robert Maza. Lisa made her stage debut at the age of eight, playing a little boy called ‘Pumpkinhead’ in Robert Merritt’s The Cakeman. It was the first all Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander-run production performed at the newly formed National Black Theatre, and was directed by Robert Maza. In 2007 she began co-writing with her sister, their autographically inspired theatre show Sisters of Gelam, which premiered at Malthouse Theatre in 2009. In 2011 Lisa travelled to London to perform in Belvoir’s Production of The Sapphires. In 2016, Lisa performed in Kate Miller-Heidke’s award-winning ‘The Rabbits’, a collaboration between Opera Australia and Perth-based Barking Gecko Theatre Company, adapted from the picture book by John Marsden and Shaun Tan by librettist Lally Katz. In addition to

Julia Moody has a Graduate Diploma in Voice Studies from NIDA (Sydney), a BA from Curtin University (Perth), is a fully accredited Associate teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework (New York), and did her actor training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (UK).  She has performed as an actor in Theatre, Film, TV, and Radio with companies across Australia. Julia has been voice and accent coach on over 300 professional theatre productions. She has worked as a Voice trainer and Consultant in the professional media with SBS TV and Radio since 1994, and with ABC TV, Channel 10, Open Channel, Public Radio News, RTRFM, 5UV, and 6PR. She works internationally, running bespoke voice training sessions for professional speakers in all domains: the corporate arena, the professional media, education, theatre and film; with politicians, legal professionals, medical professionals, sporting professionals, and many others. Julia has lectured in Voice at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Victorian College of the Arts Sch

Deborah Galanos is an Australian actress of Greek heritage and a National Institute of Dramatic Art acting degree graduate. Before NIDA, Galanos attended Sydney University and UNSW studying Arts & Law. She has appeared in many theatre, television and film roles and is best known for her role as Dr Meredith George in ABC’s Children’s Hospital. However, since 1990, most of her work has been in the theatre, and through years of touring has performed on most stages all over Australia. Deborah recently completed a season of the stage adaptation of Anne Deveson’s Tell Me I’m Here. The adaptation by Veronica Nadine Gleeson, was presented as part of Belvoir theatre’s 2022 season. Other work on the Belvoir stage includes Stop Girl, The Boomkak Panto and 25A’s Son of Byblos. Her other theatre credits include Greek Tragedy (Belvoir Company B), Bonnie & Clyde (Hayes Theatre Company), Wicked Sisters (Griffin), Lady Tabouli (National Theatre Of Parramatta/Sydney Festival), Gods of Strangers (State Theatre Comp

Leith Taylor is an experienced theatre practitioner having worked across a range of fields as an actor, director, producer, writer and drama educator. As an actor Leith worked extensively over two decades in film, television and radio as well as appearing in more than sixty theatre productions nationally and internationally. In Perth she is well remembered for her numerous appearances in leading roles at the Playhouse and Hole in the Wall theatres. After being awarded a Fellowship, she transitioned to directing and founded her own company, Theatre West, with a focus on shows by or about women. She subsequently directed numerous productions, some under the banner of her own company but also in collaboration with or for other theatre companies including Black Swan, W.A. and Perth Theatre Companies, deckchair and Melbourne’s HIT Productions. Some of her productions toured nationally or were part of Arts Festival programming and include Oleanna, One Small Step, Woman in Mind, Speaking in Tongues, The Season at Sa

Tyran Parke is a Director-Actor-Teacher whose work has garnered much admiration and triumph. As an actor, he has played roles professionally in musicals, contemporary plays, television and Shakespeare. As a teacher, he has worked for the National Institute of Performing Arts, (NIDA), The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) but it is at The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) where he is currently course co-ordinator for the Melbourne campus. Professional Directing credits include the musicals; Rent,  Jekyll and Hyde,  Lovebites, Cheek to Cheek, King of the World, the plays; Great Expectations, Pool(no water), Thom Pain, Barnum, The Laramie Project, The Opera, The Fairy Queen and many concerts. He has worked at the Hayes Theatre several times both as both an actor and a director when he was the helm of The Goodbye Girl  and Anyone Can Whistle for Neglected Musicals, Rob Mills is Surprisingly Good (and national tour) and Stalker- the m

Strykermeyer is a drag performer of unique powers and enormous skill. His work has enamoured audiences around the world. His ability to conjure a crowd is harnessed with immense theatricality; drawn from the combination of idiosyncratic invention in performance; and the greasepaints that contribute to the creation of an arresting and hypnotic aesthetic. Migrating to Australia as a boy from the UK, his family found residence in the Goldfields town of Kambalda in Western Australia. The contrast of geography and climate built a resilience in the young Stryker and forced avenues to escape - in imagination and by train! Landing in Perth in the 70s he entered his first nightclub - Matches on William street. The lure of the stage called and his place in the world was found. This was the time of a different drag scene. Experimental and exciting, it drew a queer community together and launched the careers of a bounty of burgeoning artists. Established performer Audrey Woodstock-Rose guided Stryker in the early days pr