Diary of a (teenage) Diva!

Journalist Sarah McNeill, (April 1987 guest), revisits her own teenage diary. Finally away from her strict boarding school, the anticipated Easter holiday to Jerusalem turns out to be less than ideal. And she is NOT HAPPY! 

Usual disclaimer for too much squealing. Soz. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

April has gone very Jilly Cooper, complete with clay pigeon shooting, point to point racing and indecent proposals. Penny has been invited to her first formal event AND set up with a long time crush, but with no Fairy Godmother in sight has to make her own dress. Will the blue taffeta and black gloves be enough to impress Prince Charming?

Read with fellow diarist, journalist and actor Sarah McNeill in sunny Perth.

More photos of The Dress (and much more!) can be found on Insta @diary_of_a_diva_podcast so follow, follow, follow me!

Fashion reaches a new low with white suspender belts and the Fergie Bow, as Penny meets some proper Hooray Henrys, OK yah? As Lent approaches Penny attempts to give up something that remains, to this day, very dear to her heart. How long will she last? Joined for Rocky Horror, The Pyjama Game and numerous scandals by current teenage diva, Lexie, and her mum Nichola.

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

The 80s are in full swing with Filofaxes, ballgowns, naughty knickers and knobbly knees. Rehearsals continue for the Musical Marathon and the big question is will Penny, now 16, FINALLY get a Valentine’s Card?? Read in a steamy hotel room in Manhattan with Aussie rock chick and recorder enthusiast Kaylie Stansfield. Start spreading the news….

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

After a long hiatus we are back with 1987. A painful start to the year for Penny as broken bones, rough seas, exams, snow drifts and the casting of The Pyjama Game all conspire to make January a difficult month. Read with Penny's favourite Uncle on a sunny, summer balcony in the Welsh borders.

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September 1986, and Jesus Christ Superstar is over but its legacy remains. Forget Jesus and Mary, the real stars the show, Penny ("First Leper") and Lucy ("Maid by the Fire") discuss the SCANDAL. Will Lucy's letter reveal the details of just what went in in the bathroom with Ziggy ("Hot Dancer")? And who has naughty Neil ("Pilate") been kissing this time?? 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

One of many letters discovered on a trip to the UK - a tiny snippet of the other side of the romantic rollercoaster that was October 1985. Written late on a Sunday night by teenage Neil (pictured) and received by Penny shortly before her 15th birthday. Read by Jasmin Ellmer with asides from my son, Finn Pearson, and Lilly Stent. All confused Gen-Zs. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

December is filled with drama as a party at Marie's gets out of hand, disaster strikes A Midsummer Night's Dream and Penny has to address some rumours at the Pony Club Disco. 

Read backstage at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, with fellow soprano Emma during West Australian Opera's, The Pirates of Penzance.

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

November brings more angst as no-one tells Penny her singing sounds good and she makes an unwise choice for the St. Kate’s Day Balloon Debate. Subjects up for discussion range from The Rocky Horror Show and Shakespeare to contraception, magic mushrooms and chocolate digestives. Recorded in noisy South Fremantle with new friend and pianist extraordinaire Robert Graham. 

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson. 

Penny heads towards her 16th birthday exhausted, ‘sex-starved’ and a bit depressed. St. Helen's school holds a beauty contest, the speculation continues about the ideal way to lose your virginity and Penny has a near death experience in Wales. Read with Brendon "Brighton Boy" Ellmer.

Follow me on Instagram @diary_of_a_diva_podcast, Facebook @diaryofadivapodcast. Original music by Finn Pearson.