Let's Chat Showbiz

In Episode 25 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sat down with the wonderful Catherine Alcorn. Catherine takes us through her journey into the entertainment industry and how her career has taken some unexpected turns along the way. We chat about her early plans to become a teacher and her time working as a PA at Channel 9 before finding her way into performing, cabaret and live entertainment. Catherine also opens up about her current role in Menopause The Musical and the backstory she created for her character. We talk about working alongside Sally Bourne, Chelsea Gibb and Lena Cruz and what makes this production so much fun.

We also dive into one of Catherine’s biggest career achievements, her sold out show The Divine Miss Bette. Catherine shares how the show was born and the enormous amount of work that went into getting it off the ground. From calling on her community and teaching herself new skills to designing the posters and building an audience from the ground up, Catherine explains how success certainly didn’t happen overnight. She reflects on the moment she realised just how successful the show had become and takes us behind the scenes of touring The Divine Miss Bette in the United States. We also chat about The Reservoir Room and Catherine’s work creating cabaret during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And of course, Catherine has plenty of stories to tell. She shares one story about a sold out performance of The Divine Miss Bette where she injured herself the day before the show and could barely walk. Rather than let that stop her, Catherine found a way to get on stage and perform the show anyway! With plenty of humour, laughter and some incredible stories from an extraordinary career, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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Episode 24 of Let’s Chat Showbiz we sat down with one of Australia’s biggest stars of the stage. The one and only Nancye Hayes. With a career spanning more than six decades Nancye has an incredible collection of stories to tell.

We take a journey through Nancye’s extraordinary career. From her early years dancing in My Fair Lady to her breakthrough role as the lead in Sweet Charity. She shares what that role meant to her at the time and what it was like working alongside the late Peter Adams. We look back on some of her many iconic stage credits including playing Roxy Hart in Chicago. Nancye reveals how the role came to her and shares memories from the production including meeting her husband during the show’s run. We also hear about her current role in Anastasia the Musical and what she loves about the production. Nancye opens up about what has kept her motivated throughout her career and how she has remained in the industry for more than six decades. She reveals her favourite roles she has ever played and reflects on how the industry has changed. She also shares stories about the people who inspired her growing up and some hilarious moments when things went wrong on stage.

Her screen career also gets plenty of attention. Nancye recalls the moment she discovered she was going to appear on This Is Your Life and explains what the experience meant to her. She reflects on her appearances in The Sullivans and Home and Away including stepping into Judy Nunn’s role. She also shares some wonderful advice for young people wanting to make their mark in the industry. Nancye Hayes has an outstanding career and a lifetime of incredible stories. It was an absolute privilege to have her join us for this special chat!

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In episode 23, we sat down with Australian actor Gyton Grantley. We discussed his upcoming role in State Theatre Company South Australia’s Commentary, which is written by Ash Flanders. We spoke about what audiences can expect from the production. Gyton also shared what he is most looking forward to about playing the role. In addition, we talked about his stage role as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and how he came to get that role.

We also discussed his time on Home and Away where he worked with Chris Hemsworth. He spoke about filming The Dressmaker alongside Kate Winslet, Hugo Weaving and Liam Hemsworth. We also covered his iconic role as Carl Williams in Underbelly. Gyton shared the research he did for the role. He explained how he had to put on a lot of weight to portray Carl. He also spoke about how the fame from that role changed his life. He reflected on winning a Logie Award for his performance. We also talked about House Husbands. He shared his experience working with Tim Campbell. He spoke about the importance of his role in the series and the fun they had while filming.

We also discussed his thoughts on AI. Gyton broke down what has changed in the making of television in Australia and why those changes are happening. He also shared what he enjoys most about working in both stage and screen. This was a very interesting and in depth interview.

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In Episode 22 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sit down with acclaimed Australian actor Genevieve Mooy for a fascinating conversation spanning her remarkable career across stage and screen. Genevieve reflects on her time at NIDA, how she first broke into the industry, and some of her most memorable television and film roles. We discuss her work on Special Squad alongside Gary Sweet, her unforgettable role in Frontline and the inspiration behind that performance, as well as the significance of Thank God He Met Lizzie, where she worked with Richard Roxburgh and Cate Blanchett.

Genevieve also shares wonderful memories from the set of The Dish, including working with the late Sam Neill and the lasting impact he had on the production. We chat about filming Netflix’s Wellmania, where she played Celeste Barber’s mother, and her upcoming role in My Brilliant Career. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of working in this industry, how television has evolved over the years, and the importance of staying resilient and positive throughout a long career.

The conversation also explores Genevieve’s extensive theatre work, including her acclaimed one-woman show Coral Browne: This F*ing Lady and the research required to bring the legendary performer to life. We discuss The Children by Lucy Kirkwood, where she worked alongside Tina Bursill and Terence Crawford, before finishing with her upcoming role in the State Theatre Company South Australia’s production of Heartbreak Choir. Genevieve shares what drew her to the production and what she’s most looking forward to as she returns to the stage.

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In Episode 21 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sit down with acclaimed Australian actress Jacqy Phillips. Jacqy reflects on her childhood, how she first fell in love with acting, her early career, and her mother’s reaction when she decided to pursue a life in the entertainment industry. We also chat about her work with the State Theatre Company, including Jack Maggs, where she famously broke her arm during the production.

Jacqy shares what she loves most about performing, her incredible experiences busking around the world with her husband, and the favourite role she has ever played. She also recalls memorable moments from her career, including stories of performances that didn’t quite go to plan, and offers her thoughts on how the theatre industry has evolved over the years. We also discuss some of her screen credits, including Candy Ragantag, Red Dog, and Wolf Creek 2.

Of course, we couldn’t finish without talking about Home and Away, where Jacqy played the original Irene Roberts. She shares her memories of landing the iconic role, why she ultimately didn’t stay with the series, performing one of her own stunts, and offers valuable advice for aspiring actors. Jacqy also reveals that she was once set to appear on The Martin Show, but the opportunity never came to fruition.

#LetsChatShowbiz #JacqyPhillips #AustralianActress #HomeAndAway #IreneRoberts #OriginalIrene #AustralianTV #AustralianTheatre #StageAndScreen #ActorInterview #Podcast #EntertainmentPodcast #Showbiz #WolfCreek2 #RedDog #CandyRag #StateTheatreCompany #JackMaggs #TheatreLife #BehindTheScenes #Acting #PerformingArts #AustralianEntertainment

In Episode 20 of Let’s Chat Shows, we sat down with Australian actor and performer Ben Hall. Ben talks about his current role as Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman: The Musical, what he loves most about performing in the production, and what audiences can expect. He also shares the joy of working alongside Samantha Jade. We look back at his stage career, including Elvis: A Musical Revolution, discuss his training at WAAPA, and hear how he first found his way into the industry.

We also chat about Ben’s impressive screen career, including his roles in ANZAC Girls, Warnie, and Total Control, where he worked alongside Deborah Mailman. Ben shares his experience filming Better Man and talks about what the process was like behind the scenes. He also reflects on his favourite memories from set, his initial reaction to the project, and what it was like meeting Robbie Williams.

Of course, we could not miss talking about Ben’s much-loved role as Ned Willis on Neighbours. He shares his memories of landing the role and the fast-paced nature of filming. He also talks about working alongside many of his cast mates and recalls one hilarious moment from the show. We also discuss his thoughts on Neighbours ending, memorable fan encounters, and who inspired him growing up.

#LetsChatShows #BenHall #PrettyWomanTheMusical #PrettyWoman #EdwardLewis #SamanthaJade #ElvisAMusicalRevolution #WAAPA #Neighbours #NedWillis #BetterMan #RobbieWilliams #ANZACGirls #Warnie #TotalControl #DeborahMailman #AustralianActor #AustralianTheatre #MusicalTheatre #Podcast #Interview #YouTube #Spotify #ApplePodcasts #Entertainment #Theatre #ActorInterview #BehindTheScenes

In Episode 19 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sat down with the immensely talented and admired Glenda Linscott. We spoke about her upcoming role in the The Importance of Being Earnest with the State Theatre Company of South Australia, where she steps into the formidable shoes of Lady Bracknell. Glenda shared her reaction to landing the role, what audiences can expect from the production, and the excitement of working with an all–South Australian cast on this classic by Oscar Wilde.

We also explored her rich and varied career, including touring the one-woman show Shirley Valentine, and what made that experience so special to her. Glenda reflected on being accepted into NIDA just 17, and her later role as Head of Acting at WAAPA, where she spent seven years shaping the next generation of performers. She spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of teaching, as well as her passion for nurturing talent.

Of course, we couldn’t skip over her iconic screen work, including her time on Prisoner as Rita Connors, a role that still resonates with audiences, especially in the UK. Glenda shared insights into her preparation for the character and the demanding schedule of the show. We also touched on other standout credits, including Howling III alongside Carole Skinner and Jennifer Vuletic, as well as Neighbours, Winners & Losers, Murder Call, and the film Kangaroo Island. It was a brilliant, engaging interview filled with fascinating stories, reflections, and plenty of laughs.

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In episode 18 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sat down with cabaret star Dolly Diamond. She shares her favourite things about Adelaide and dives into her latest show Tits and Teeth. We also chat about her previous cabaret performances and her time as Artistic Director of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, along with her experiences directing within the cabaret world.

Dolly reflects on her career journey, including her time working in London and the cabaret scene there, and what ultimately led her to move to Australia. She also opens up about the nerves she still feels before stepping on stage. We chatted about her time working on Ruthless The Musical!

We also touch on her charity work, exploring why it’s so important to her, and what she truly loves most about performing. This is a highly entertaining interview, filled with laughter, warmth and plenty of memorable moments.

#LetsChatShowbiz #DollyDiamond #Cabaret #AdelaideArts #MelbourneCabaretFestival #CabaretLife #TheatreLife #PerformingArts #AustralianTheatre #StageLife #PodcastInterview #Showbiz #LivePerformance #EntertainmentPodcast #BehindTheScenes #CreativeLife #ArtistsOfAustralia #RuthlessTheMusical #CabaretPerformer #AdelaideFringe

In episode 17 of Let’s Chat Showbiz we sat down with actor and writer Scott Brennan.

Scott shared stories from his writing career, including his time working on Skithouse, Prank Patrol and The Project. He spoke about the joy he found in writing, along with the pressure that comes with working on live television.

We also spoke about his role on Neighbours playing Josh Burns and what it was like working alongside Stefan Dennis. Scott shared how he found out that his character was going to die on the show and what it was like filming those scenes.

Scott reflected on his time on Blue Heelers and what he remembers about filming those episodes. We also touched on his time on Comedy Inc and what he enjoyed most about working on that show.

Moving to his stage work, we discussed Fountain Lakes in Lockdown & Fountain Lakes Y2K where he plays Kel and Brett. Scott shared his first thoughts when he was approached about the show and what it was like bringing those characters to life.

We also talked about Spontaneous Broadway, which Scott described as the best show in the world. He explained what the show is about and the fun he had performing it.

Scott also opened up about his friendship with the late Cal Wilson and what that friendship meant to him. He spoke about the connection they shared and also reflected on his friendship with the late Maxi Shield, sharing what it was like spending time with her while in Edinburgh.

It was a fantastic interview filled with plenty of laughs and some wonderful stories.

#LetsChatShowbiz #ScottBrennan #AustralianActors #AustralianTV #AustralianComedy #Neighbours #BlueHeelers #ComedyInc #Skithouse #PrankPatrol #TheProjectTV #SpontaneousBroadway #FountainLakesInLockdown #PodcastInterview #AustralianPodcast

In episode 16 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sat down with award winning Actor and writer Darren Gilshenan. Darren shared how he ended up at NIDA and what that whole experience was like for him, along with his time working with the Bell Shakespeare theatre group. Darren spoke about some of his theatre credits too, including Mother and Son alongside Nolene Brown and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Genevieve Lemon. Darren also shared which roles challenged him the most on stage and why they really pushed him as an actor.

Darren reflected on his television work as well, including A Country Practice, Population 11, playing Uncle Terry in The Moodys and A Moody Christmas, and Chandon Pictures alongside Rob Carlton. Darren shared that he’s currently directing Rob in his latest show and opened up about their long friendship and creative partnership.

Darren also shared what it was like filming No Activity with Patrick Brammall, how much of it was improvised and where the idea for the show originally came from. He spoke about playing creepy Professor Lee in Colin from Accounts, working alongside Helen Thomson, and revealed that he’s currently right in the middle of shooting season three. It was such a fun and honest conversation covering so many parts of Darren’s career both on stage and on screen.

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