Kate Fitzpatrick is one of our great actors. She was born in Perth but grew up in Adelaide. It was in this city that she developed her passion for art and cricket and classical music. Her potential as a visual artist was recognised by Jeffrey Smart, who awarded her a travelling art scholarship to Japan. Her love of cricket lead her to an appointment as the world's first female Cricket commentator. And classical music has sustained her through a vast array of experiences in a career that has rewarded and challenged.

At the age of 18 she was accepted into NIDA to study Acting. This instigated her move to Sydney and a career as one of our favourite actors. Her triumphant theatre roles include The Lady of Camellias, Hamlet on Ice, Rooted, Insignificance and Kennedy's Children.

She was there at the beginning of a burgeoning Australian theatre working in seminal works at The Jane Street Theatre, The Old Tote Theatre and Nimrod. She created the role of Magenta in the original Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show and began her career alongside iconic Australian directors like John Bell, Rex Cramphorne and Jim Sharman.

The great Patrick White spotted her in The Legend of King O'Malley and became an immediate fan which then began a friendship that lasted until his death. Kate played Nola Boyle in White's play The Season at Sarsaparilla. Subsequently he penned his next play Big Toys as a gift for her.

She has been a regular face on our film and television screens. And an unmistakeable voice on radio. Kate has made an impression across all mediums.

Kate joined me for long lunch and a candid conversation, detailing an extraordinary life in the theatre and some extraordinary experiences with some extraordinary people. She is a great raconteur and an immense wit, all delivered with wonderful detail and a voice as smooth as warm honey.

Stages is available from iTunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa.