With episodes nearing 300 in the STAGES archive, it’s time to revisit conversations featured in our previous seasons.

STAGES spotlights such episodes, in case you missed them the first time ‘round - or so you can simply savour, a second listen.

Either way, you’ll accessing precious oral histories from the people who were there, on and around our stages.

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.

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

Kate joined me for Episode 99 of the podcast over a long lunch and a candid conversation. She detailed an extraordinary life in the theatre and some extraordinary experiences with some extraordinary people.

Kate has since become a regular on the STAGES podcast, co-hosting our annual Christmas episode. She is tremendous fun and tells a great story - as you’ll hear in this compelling conversation from the STAGES vault.

The Stages podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify, and where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au