With episodes nearing 350 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 be accessing precious oral histories from the people who were there, on and around our stages.

Nancye Hayes is synonymous with Australian show business and her presence in any show guarantees a consummate artist determined to engage, with vast skill and an extensive joy she invests in to every performance. In October, the great lady celebrated 60 years of a life ‘on the boards’.

Nancye Hayes started her professional career as a dancer in My Fair Lady. She then progressed through roles in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Hello Dolly! and The Boys from Syracuse.

She scored tremendous personal success as Charity Hope Valentine in her break-out performance in Sweet Charity, establishing herself as a bright new star. The accolades came thick and fast, leading Nancye to great acclaim and on to a career that has seen her conquer all genres and theatrical roles; on and off the stage.

She has contributed dynamically to the industry in creative roles too; as Director, Choreographer, Mentor and Teacher.

Her vast repertoire of leading and character roles has given us memorable performances as Miss Adelaide, Miss Hannigan, Madame Armfeldt, Mrs Higgins, Mrs Potts, Mrs Lovett, Aunt Eller and Lady Hotham.

Her vast repertoire of plays and musicals has given us dynamic performances in Sweeney Todd, Nine, Showboat, Pippin, The Importance of Being Earnest, Same Time Next Year, Steel Magnolias, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks and Mary Poppins.

Nancye Hayes is one of our great elders. Her tremendous warmth, star quality and enormous contribution to the Arts in Australia, have made her universally adored. STAGES salutes her six decades as a leading lady by revisiting this sparkling 2-episode conversation from 2020, when she visited the podcast to record her remarkable story.