For 22 years the Stage Door at The Lyric Theatre in Sydney has been attended by John C. Goad. He is a charming and generous soul, with a wicked sense of humour and a valiant sense of duty. He has seen the comings and goings of many a theatrical as they have taken up occupancy at the theatre, playing a season and then moving on.

The Stage Door is the entrance to the magic and illusion of the theatre. Through this door our storytellers pass. International and local names, jobbing actors, ensembles and company members, enter and depart the building from this artery. Some return with other shows and some provide only fleeting glimpses, but all depend on the efficiency and protection of Stage Door Johnny - a nickname anointed on John from the great Marlene Dietrich, when he was working at stage doors in London.

Goad was raised in Papua New Guinea, where he developed his love of performance and story-telling. As a member of various theatre groups he toured the country presenting shows in English and Pidgin. The absence of a pen-friend began his writing to theatre, film, sporting and political identities around the world. This often lead to lengthy correspondence and occasional meetings.

In 1979 he landed in London to commence employment as Personal Assistant to the late British actor Patrick Cargill. Goad studied acting with Studio 68 and was a founding member of Stage 80.

He has worked as an actor, singer, interpreter, and PA; also front-of-house and at stage door, allowing him unique observations of the business from all angles.

Sydney Lyric Theatre has housed almost 100 productions in its life thus far. It's also hosted an array of world names, but one essential commonality for all of the artists is the access they must gain via the stage door. Fair to say, this procession has garnered some fascinating encounters and observations.

John C. Goad joined STAGES for an insightful chat about the duty, the discretion and the dedication of the Stage Door Keeper.

Discover more at stagedoorjohhny.com