Let's Chat Showbiz

In Episode 15 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sat down with award winning cabaret and fringe artist Millicent Sarre! Millicent opens up about her experience in Class of Cabaret and how she found her place within the industry. She speaks about why mentoring emerging performers is so important to her, and how she enjoys working with Mark Oats.

We also dive into her Fringe shows, including Millicent Sarre is Opinionated and Bisexual Intellectual, exploring where the ideas came from and the creative process behind writing and developing her work.

Millicent also chats about her brand new show Millicent Sarre is Too Tired to Smash (Patriarchy), premiering at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and gives audiences an exciting insight into what they can expect.

She shares the huge experience of understudying the entire female cast of Kimberly Akimbo, how she managed such a challenge, and what it meant to step into roles alongside Marina Prior and Casey Donovan.

We also discuss Primetime, the new Australian musical Millicent wrote with co writer Joseph Simons. She talks about how they began collaborating, where the concept originated, and what audiences can look forward to.

To wrap up, Millicent shares who inspires her most within the industry today. We thank Millicent for an amazing interview!

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In episode 14 of Let’s Chat Showbiz we sit down with filmmaker, producer, writer and director Sophie Hyde. She talks about how her career began and some of the early projects that shaped her work including 52 Tuesdays and the process of filming it as well as creating the six part series F**king Adelaide. We chat about the cast which includes Pamela Rabe and Sophie shares a lot about what it was like working with her. She also talks about the film Good Luck to You Leo Grande and what it was like directing Emma Thompson along with the challenges of working during Covid.

We also get into her new film Jimpa how the idea came about and what the story means to her. Sophie talks about working with Olivia Colman and their first interactions. She reflects on working on the SBS series The Hunting with Richard Roxburgh, Asher Keddie, Jessica De Gouw and Sam Reid. She also talks about her friendship with Kate Box and how it began and shares a fun story about attending Olivia Colman’s fiftieth birthday party.

We thank Sophie for giving us her time during a busy schedule and for such a great and generous interview.

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In Episode 13 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sit down with the incredibly talented Lucy Maunder to chat all things showbiz! Lucy shares how her remarkable career began at WAAPA and reflects on her journey through the Australian theatre scene.

She opens up about the recent passing of Ben Lewis, her close friendship and experiences working alongside Tom Wren, and some of her most memorable career highlights! From Dr Zhivago alongside Anthony Warlow, to Mary Poppins, Pippin, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and of course, her dream role as Roxie Hart in the Australian tour of Chicago.

Lucy also gives us a glimpse into the audition process, working with Zoe Ventoura, her connection with Marina Prior, and the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with a life on stage. This interview was such great fun, and Lucy had so much to share!

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In Episode 12 of Let’s Chat Showbiz we sit down with actor Annie Byron, whose career spans film, theatre, and television since graduating from NIDA in 1977 alongside Mel Gibson and Judy Davis

Annie reflects on her early days and shares memories of her classmates including her memories of Wayne Jarrett. We dive into her career highlights. She talks about playing Lou Sullivan in The Sullivans with Michael Caton, and winning the AFI Award for her performance in Fran alongside Noni Hazlehurst. She also revisits her role in Muriel’s Wedding with Rachel Griffiths, and her chilling turn in Wolf Creek 2 with John Jarratt and Gerard Kennedy, including how her on-screen death was filmed.

Later, Annie shares her experiences working with Cate Blanchett and her time in New York, where she crossed paths with Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. She also reflects on her appearances in A Country Practice, Home and Away, and many other productions across stage and screen.

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In Episode 11 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sit down with Adelaide’s very own cabaret star, Michael Griffiths. From his early days at WAAPA to performing on stages across the globe, Michael shares the highs, the hilarity, and the heart behind a life in showbiz.

We dive into his incredible journey—from being cast in a Disney-produced telemovie to appearing in the original Australian productions of Shout! and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, where he worked alongside the legendary Bill Hunter (and shares a brilliant story about him too).

Michael opens up about his love for cabaret, his most cherished memories of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and the joy of performing internationally. We chat about his inspiring collaboration with icon Carlotta, a chance encounter in Times Square with Caroline O’Connor, and working with talents like Virginia Gay.

He also reflects on meeting the likes of Tom Cruise, Elton John, and Liza Minnelli, and we touch on the importance of health, balance, and winding down after the curtain falls.

A big thank you to Michael for sharing his time and stories.

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In Episode 10 of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we sit down with the incredibly talented Dr. Trevor Jones.

We dive into his recent role as the Major General — along with his work as Musical Director — in The Pirates of Penzance. Trevor shares some behind-the-scenes stories, including the chaos and fun of lightning-fast costume changes. Our chat explores his career as a conductor and music educator, and what continues to drive his passion for both.

We also talk all things Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Trevor has been a fixture at the festival for over 11 years, and he reflects on how it all began, the loyal following it’s built, and some of his favourite memories — including performing with Deborah Conway and Angie Hart.

Trevor gets real about the importance of self-care in the entertainment industry — from late nights and constant travel, to managing the highs and lows that come with life on the road. He also explains the story behind “Dr. Trevor Jones,” and the pros and cons of carrying that title in showbiz.

Plus, we hear about some of the pinch-me moments in his career, like meeting his idols Michael Feinstein, John Cameron Mitchell, and the legendary Patti LuPone.

A huge thank you to Trevor for taking the time to chat with us and for sharing his stories, wisdom, and humour! This episode is packed with insight, laughs, and honest conversation — you won’t want to miss it!

#LetsChatShowbiz #DrTrevorJones #TrevorJones #PiratesOfPenzance #AdelaideCabaretFestival #CabaretLife #BehindTheScenes #MusicDirector #ConductorLife #TheatreCommunity #MusicalTheatre #PerformerLife #ShowbizStories #CabaretAustralia #AdelaideArts #AussieTheatre #StageLife #PerformerJourney #PattiLuPone #JohnCameronMitchell #MichaelFeinstein #ArtsIndustry #EntertainmentLife #PodcastAustralia #CreativeIndustry

In Episode 9 of Lets Chat Showbiz, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the talented Jennifer Vuletic. She spoke enthusiastically about her recent role as Madame Morrible in Wicked, sharing insights into the fun and energy of performing live on stage. Jennifer also reflected on her past theatre work, including roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mamma Mia, and expressed interest in future roles she hopes to take on.

The conversation also touched on Jennifer’s current performance in the stage adaptation of Looking for Alibrandi, running in Adelaide from 22 to 31 May. She highlighted the significance of the story and what audiences can look forward to. Jennifer spoke passionately about the themes of the play and its cultural relevance.

Beyond theatre, Jennifer shared her experience in voiceover work, including narrating the audiobook for former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the memorable moment she met her. We also delved into Jennifer’s screen career, particularly her role as Mandy Mullet Frost in Wentworth and the strong friendships she formed with castmates like Kate Box. Other notable screen credits she discussed included Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, The Surrogate, and The Howling III.

We thank Jennifer for her time and captivating storytelling!

#LetsChatShowbiz #JenniferVuletic #WickedTheMusical #LookingForAlibrandi #AdelaideTheatre #AustralianTheatre #StageAndScreen #VoiceOverArtist #WentworthTV #MammaMiaMusical #ChittyChittyBangBang #MissFishersMysteries #TheSurrogate #HowlingIII #JuliaGillard #BehindTheScenes #TheatreLife #ActorInterview #WomenInTheatre #LivePerformance #MustSeeShow #TVAndTheatre #AustralianActress #OnStageAndScreen #PodcastInterview

In Episode 8 of Lets Chat Showbiz we had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Sally Bourne, who brings with her over 40 years of experience in the world of showbiz. From her recent role in Sister Act, touring across Australia to her early days as the original Annie in Annie the Musical. Sally shares a wealth of captivating stories. She reflects on her performance on The Don Lane Show at just 12 years old and opens up about the many stages she's graced across Australia and London's West End.

Sally also takes us behind the scenes of her time on the iconic television series Prisoner, fondly recalling her work alongside the late Anne Phelan. With warmth and honesty, she speaks about the influence of her father, Ernie Bourne—an icon of Australian showbiz—and the pivotal role he played in shaping her career. Her reflections are both touching and inspiring, offering listeners a heartfelt glimpse into her journey.

In addition to her theatre and TV highlights, Sally talks about her roles in classic Australian series like Neighbours and I Can Jump Puddles. She shares stories of her long-standing friendship with Neighbours star Lucinda Cowden, Sally also shares her thoughts on Neighbours ending.

This episode is a celebration of a rich and enduring career, filled with humour, legacy, and the resilience of a true performer.

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In episode seven of Let’s Chat Showbiz, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Emma Powell.

Emma shared fascinating stories from her extensive career in theatre, including her time in Kinky Boots, where she had the unforgettable experience of meeting Kylie Minogue, and her powerful four-year run as Beulah in Come From Away, a show she described as deeply meaningful. We also spoke about her recent work in Menopause the Musical, her hilarious role as Shirley in Priscilla, and how she landed her part in The Pirates of Penzance alongside the legendary Jon English, with whom she formed a lasting friendship.

Emma opened up about her acclaimed cabaret show Bursting Out, revealing the inspiration behind it and its success, and delighted us with stories about meeting the Queen and a humorous encounter with Prince Philip. We also explored her time performing in Mamma Mia! and Sister Act: The Musical.

I can honestly say I’ve never laughed so much during an interview—Emma was an absolute joy. We’re incredibly grateful to her for sharing her time, energy, and wonderful stories with us.

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In episode six of Let's Chat Showbiz, we had the pleasure of interviewing two of Australia’s most celebrated performers: Rhonda Burchmore and Genevieve Lemon.

This episode is filled with their captivating stories and valuable insights drawn from their remarkable careers in ShowBiz. They delve into their current roles in Sister Act, sharing the joy and camaraderie they experience on stage. They both reflect on their time in the West End, along with other theatre roles they’ve played. Genevieve reminisces about her cherished friendships with the late Maxine Klibingaitis and Betty Bobbitt, which was formed during her time on the cult television series “Prisoner.”

Rhonda, shares fascinating insights from her work on “The Pirate Movie”. Rhonda also opens up about her adventurous stint on Channel 10’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

This interview is truly special, as the genuine bond between Rhonda and Genevieve shines through their conversation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both of them for their time and unwavering support for Let's Chat Showbiz!

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