STAGES with Peter Eyers

Old Friends Mark Trevorrow, Rupert Noffs and Bev Kennedy have much in common; great musicianship and their love of Stephen Sondheim’s extraordinary songbook. They have crafted an intimate evening of cabaret celebrating the late, great composer/lyricist’s vast cannon. OLD FRIENDS! features solos, duets, mashups and medleys, with light hearted banter and stories in between. It is a classy, superbly played and sung show with a cheeky queer bent.

Bev Kennedy is one of Australia’s leading musicians and Musical directors having worked on over 30 Professional music theatre productions including Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia!, The Producers, We Will Rock You, The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chicago, Muriel’s Wedding, Heathers, Jersey Boys, Wicked & The Concert version of Sunset Boulevard with Judi Conelli. As Assistant Musical Director she has worked on Simon Gallaher’s Pirates of Penzance; the highest selling recording of a musical in Australian history & also won an Aria award for best soundtrack.  

Rupert Noffs is a singer and actor trained at NIDA and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. As the grandson of the legendary Ted Noffs, founder of Kings Cross’ Wayside Chapel, he carries a significant artistic legacy. Rupert discovered his love for Stephen Sondheim at 16, performing “Being Alive” at the Sydney Opera House. Rupert has appeared on screen as Jacki Weaver’s son and played Bob Downe’s nephew, in both Sydney and San Francisco.

During his seven years living and working in Manhattan, Rupert collaborated with New York cabaret legend Amber Martin at Joe’s Pub and Parkside Lounge. He was a judge on Seven’s All Together Now hosted by Julia Zemiro, and performed sold-out one-man shows at Claire’s Kitchen on Oxford Street.”

Comedian, singer, actor, broadcaster and journalist, Mark Trevorrow’s 40+ year journey through Australian media and show business has taken him from the Melbourne Herald Sun, to cabaret group The Globos, to arts editor of Vogue Australia, to the creation of Bob Downe in 1984, to acting in Kath & Kim, singing as himself on Good News Week and broadcasting on ABC TV and local radio – then back to Bob again. His work has taken him from Australia to Edinburgh to London to New York, and it’s not over yet!

OLD FRIENDS! is touring through November with dates in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Check out the team’s Instagram page - oldfriendssingsondheim

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Gregg Arthur is an original voice who has learned from and performed with music industry giants all over the world. His warm baritone and huge range allows him to embrace an audience with a tender ballad and thrill with outstanding vocal acuity, but most of all it’s his emphasis on rhythm and phrasing that has brought him admiration from legends and critics everywhere.

Gregg started singing and playing piano at an early age, always loving the jazz standards from his grandmothers sheet music and listening to his father’s record collection. He gained professional stage experience working for Australian Opera in productions of Aida, Marriage of Figaro, The Merry Widow and more, during a classic era of Dame Joan Sutherland and Rita Hunter and met legendary actor and teacher Hayes Gordon during Fiddler On The Roof. With stage and acting coaching by Gordon and vocal training teacher Don Graden he soon knew how to perform a song with originality, confidence and knew how to own the stage. 

He has always worked with and had great friendships with the very best musicians and orchestrators in the music industry. Performing with Don Burrows and George Golla, John Morrison and Swing City, Chair Of Jazz Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Craig Scott, Band leader and pianist Geoff Harvey, and Maestro Tommy Tycho with whom he recorded albums for ABC Music with a 50 piece orchestra.
In the USA Gregg Arthur has worked with and performed with Frank Sinatra’s pianist and conductor Vincent Falcone, Bobby Darin’s pianist and arranger Bob Rosario, and Sammy Davis Jr’s drummer Clayton Cameron. Over many years Gregg Arthur performed at Herb Alpert’s Bel Air venue Vibrato with bass legend Pat Senator of Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass, and pianist and arranger Tom Ranier.
Gregg Arthur has released 9 albums, 7 compilations and 2 EP’s. His latest album out now is Gregg Arthur In Concert The Great American Songbook.  His reworking of Australian classic My City Of Sydney was released in October 2020.

www.greggarthur.com

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Two of STAGES favourite Arts workers have recently returned from pilgrimages to London ….  and have inhaled the smorgasbord of musical and play offerings playing on West End stages. 

Publicist Ian Phipps and ‘Man-in-Chair’; Simon Parris, return to the STAGES podcast to share what they saw .. what they liked, what they didn’t …. and perhaps even to boast a little.

They provide first-hand insight of what we could expect, if finding ourselves in the Savoy, Dominion, National, Donmar, Old Vic or Barbican theatres over the coming months.

Simon Parris is a theatre reviewer based in Melbourne. His review blog ‘Man in Chair’ regularly reviews musicals, plays, opera and the arts. Access to these reviews can be found at simonparrismaninchair.com

Ian Phipps is one of Australia’s leading publicists, promoting theatre and its stars around Australia. If you know that a show is happening, no doubt it’s because Ian has communicated this to you via a myriad of masterful means.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Silvie Paladino has established herself as one of Australia’s most versatile and talented entertainers.

Her first theatrical role was Eponine in the Australasian tour of Les Misérables. She was then invited to perform the same role on the West End in the London production. In 1997, Silvie returned to London and performed the role of Fantine in Les Misérables for a successful two-year season.

Silvie’s other Australasian credits include the role of Jeannie in Hair, Grizabella in the Australian and Asian tour of Cats, Ellen in Cameron Mackintosh’s Australian premiere of Miss Saigon, Donna in the smash hit Mamma Mia!, Rita in the world premiere of Sideshow Alley, Lady Thiang in The King And I, Florence in Chess (Green Room Award and Helpmann nomination), Clara in Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, Helen Bechdel in MTC’s Fun Home and the Fairy Godmother, in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

She has performed as guest solo artist with Australia’s leading orchestras and has also toured with Patrizio Buanne and Michael Bolton. She has had the honour of performing with celebrated theatre composers Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim.

Silvie is also well known to Australian audiences through her performances at special events including the AFL Grand Final, NRL Grand Final, The Boxing Day Cricket Test, The Asia Pacific Special Olympics, The Olympic Dinner in Beijing, A Night with Roger Federer and Friends – and regular television appearances including Carols by Candlelight.

Her recordings include Silvie Paladino Sings Streisand (a live recording of her one-woman show for which she was nominated for a Green Room Award), Silvie Paladino – Christmas List, On My Own, When You Believe, O Holy Night and I Give You My Heart with the Salvation Army Band.

Silvie is currently playing the role of Norma Desmond at select performances in Opera Australia’s production of Sunset Boulevard.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

After originally studying double degrees in Law and Arts (Politics and Economics) at Monash University, Anton Berezin found success as an Actor, Producer, Writer and Director. He established his first Production Company in 1994.

He is known for his roles in commercial musical theatre productions for over 30 years, in celebrated productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Bridges of Madison County, Evita, Sweeney Todd, Wicked, The Producers, Cabaret, Fiddler of the Roof and Cats. 

Anton was co-founder of Australasia's leader in live family entertainment; from humble beginnings, Life Like Touring and The Entertainment Store grew to become the third ranked (by sales volume) businesses of their kind globally. Anton's businesses were acquired by Australian entertainment behemoth, TEG, in 2016, with Anton staying on as Managing Director until October 2019.

The independent production company, Monstrous Theatre, is Anton’s next commercial venture, a production house he established with his wife and creative force, Theresa Borg.

Monstrous Theatre presents opera, musicals and plays, with coming attractions that include bold productions of You’re the Man at La Mama in Melbourne,  Yentl at the Sydney Opera House and Anne Being Frank across the USA.

monstroustheatre.com.au

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Originally from Melbourne Australia, Benjamin Osborne made his stage debut in the original production of The Boy from Oz. This was followed by appearing in Shout - The Legend of the Wild One  and the original Australian company of Mamma Mia! During his time there, he assumed the role of Dance Captain for the Australian and Asian tours.

Benjamin then took on the role of Dance Captain for the Australian production of Miss Saigon, where he later became the Resident Choreographer. He has since worked on the Korean, Dutch, Japanese, New York and U.K/European Tour productions as the Associate Choreographer.

Benjamin’s other credits include the 10th Anniversary production of Mamma Mia!, the Australian and New Zealand tours of Jersey Boys, and the Australian productions of The Addams Family and Disney’s Aladdin, all as Resident Choreographer. 

Benjamin also choreographed the first Australian professional showings of both ‘Passion’ and ‘City of Angels’ for Lifelike Productions.

Benjamin and is presently the Resident Director for the Australian tour of Beauty and the Beast, guiding the inhabitants of the enchanted castle and nurturing the tale as old as time.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Ewan Campbell, Australia's No. 1 television warm-up artist, is the creator and founder of Stentorian Communications. He is an actor, director and presentation coach; a talented and multi-faceted performer, with vast experience in corporate training and facilitation, voice-overs, and MC roles. 

Ewan has successfully written produced and facilitated presentations for a who's who of corporate Australia including IBM, Optus, Samsung, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Westpac, Telstra and McDonalds Australia. He was a founder and director of Instant Theatre, the first innovative impro training company using improvisational and theatrical techniques to provide a unique and different training experience.

Ewan Campbell is a sought after television warm-up comedian and his resume includes The Footy Show, Midday, Andrew Denton's Enough Rope, Australian Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Master Chef, Junior Master Chef, The Biggest Loser and the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. 

He is also a first-rate improvisation (improv) comedy performer of many years' experience, regarded as one of the best improv comics in Australia. He has a long standing reputation for his ability to catch and hold even the most challenging audience!

Ewan competes in Impro’s gala event of the year … Celebrity TheatreSports™ on Sunday 25th August 4pm, at The Enmore Theatre, Newtown. Comedy magic for a cause: proudly supporting Canteen. Canteen supports young people (aged 12-25) when cancer turns their world upside down. 
The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).

www.stagespodcast.com.au

Rodney Fisher is a stage director who has worked in most major theatres in Australia and for all Australian theatre companies as well as Opera Australia, VSO, Bavarian State Opera, Royal Ballet London and Legs on the Wall. He has directed in England, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong and at the Spoleto Festival, Charleston, South Carolina. He has worked in dance, film, video and written several theatre pieces and screenplays.

Highlights include: The Bastard from the Bush (Robin Ramsay one man show), A Star is Torn – also wrote – (Robyn Archer), Master Class, My Fair Lady (Anthony Warlow and Suzanne Johnston) and Steaming (legendary Australian tour). Work for the Sydney Theatre Company includes: The Lady in the Van, Pentecost, The Rain Dancers, The Secret Rapture, and The Doll Trilogy. 

Rodney was Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company of South Australia from 1997 to 2000, directing The Department, Macbeth, The Idiot, Kafka Dances, Courtyard of Miracles, The Rose Tattoo and Twelfth Night. 

Other credits include: Design for Living, Hay Fever (MTC); The Merry Widow (Ess Gee Productions); From Here to There (Legs on the Wall); A Winter’s Tale (QTC), Maria Stuarda, Lady Bracknell’s Confinement, Hello Dolly, My Darling It’s Noel, Shock of the New, La Traviata, A Violent Act (STC); Don John (SSO); and The Bookclub (Hit Productions/Ensemble theatre).

Rodney adapted, designed and directed Henry Purcell’s King Arthur for the 2016 Brisbane Baroque Festival, and directed the ACO production Barry Humphries' Weinmar Cabaret, starring his frequent collaborator, Meow Meow for its initial Australian season and its tour to London and North America.

Rodney Fisher is one of our master storytellers whose contributions to the theatre are substantial and of vital significance.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Rodney Fisher is a stage director who has worked in most major theatres in Australia and for all Australian theatre companies as well as Opera Australia, VSO, Bavarian State Opera, Royal Ballet London and Legs on the Wall. He has directed in England, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong and at the Spoleto Festival, Charleston, South Carolina. He has worked in dance, film, video and written several theatre pieces and screenplays.

Highlights include: The Bastard from the Bush (Robin Ramsay one man show), A Star is Torn – also wrote – (Robyn Archer), Master Class, My Fair Lady (Anthony Warlow and Suzanne Johnston) and Steaming (legendary Australian tour). Work for the Sydney Theatre Company includes: The Lady in the Van, Pentecost, The Rain Dancers, The Secret Rapture, and The Doll Trilogy. 

Rodney was Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company of South Australia from 1997 to 2000, directing The Department, Macbeth, The Idiot, Kafka Dances, Courtyard of Miracles, The Rose Tattoo and Twelfth Night. 

Other credits include: Design for Living, Hay Fever (MTC); The Merry Widow (Ess Gee Productions); From Here to There (Legs on the Wall); A Winter’s Tale (QTC), Maria Stuarda, Lady Bracknell’s Confinement, Hello Dolly, My Darling It’s Noel, Shock of the New, La Traviata, A Violent Act (STC); Don John (SSO); and The Bookclub (Hit Productions/Ensemble theatre).

Rodney adapted, designed and directed Henry Purcell’s King Arthur for the 2016 Brisbane Baroque Festival, and directed the ACO production Barry Humphries' Weinmar Cabaret, starring his frequent collaborator, Meow Meow for its initial Australian season and its tour to London and North America.

Rodney Fisher is one of our master storytellers whose contributions to the theatre are substantial and of vital significance.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

In July we lost one of the pioneers of entertainment in Australia - Mr John Newman. We featured John in an episode recorded in March 2022.

John Newman is the savvy entrepreneur who pioneered the glory of theatre restaurant in Australia, with the establishment of the iconic Tikki & John’s in Melbourne. The venue fast became an institution in the city and a haven for a stellar cast of performers. With wife Tikki Taylor, he founded an entertainment dynasty spawning further theatre dining experiences such as Dracula’s, Cafe Crypt and Crazyhouse.

A Geelong boy, his parents were publicans. He was born to perform and garnered early experiences entertaining hotel guests. He joined the Geelong Musical Comedy Company, a flourishing amateur group whose members also included John’s brother Bill, Ernie Bourne and Barry Crocker. His success in comic and singing roles with that company, prompted him to embark on show business as a profession.

He joined an outfit calling itself, rather ambitiously The South Pacific Film and Television Company, which planned to hit the high spots with a grand tour of Victorian country areas. The variety show, in which John did comedy, magic and his impressions of Groucho Marx and other stars of the day, played Geelong, Colac and Camperdown. He was next a member of the Blind Institute Concert Party, which performed everywhere in Victoria in one - and - two night stands, raising money for the institute. John stayed with the unit for two years, and then he left to go into the chorus of the J. C. Williamson Song of Norway.

The run of Song of Norway was followed by a revival of Annie Get Your Gun, with Evie Hayes and Hayes Gordon, and John then went into the chorus of South Pacific, where he met Joyce Taylor (Tikki), 

Tikki Taylor had studied dancing at the Jenny Brennan Academy and appeared on stage for the first time in a juvenile role in Blue Mountain Melody, an Australian musical which starred Cyril Ritchard and Madge Elliott. After pursuing a classical ballet career she joined J.C. Williamson’s as a show dancer, her first show being The Desert Song with Max Oldaker. Then followed Rose Marie, White Horse Inn, No, No, Nanette, The Girl Friend, Follow The Girls and Oklahoma, in which she understudied three roles, eventually playing the lead comedienne, Ado Annie.

John and Tikki combined both their professional and private lives working in the same shows. They formed an act and toured it through the U.K. for eighteen months with top Australian magician The Great Levant covering England, Scotland and Wales. After that, they toured the U.S. Army bases in Europe.

Back in London they saw the latest American musical hit The Pajama Game, and John knew that Tikki would be perfect for the comedy-dancing role of Gladys Hotchkiss. They rushed back to Australia and with the support of choreographer Betty Pounder and stage director Ian Roberts, Tikki managed to persuade the JCW management that it was not necessary to import an American actress for the role. This seminal production embraced an all-Australian company including Toni Lamond, Jill Perryman and John’s brother Bill Newman.

John worked in the chorus of The Pajama Game and joined Tikki in subsequent productions of Can-Can, For Amusement Only and Grab Me A Gondola. Tikki and John raised a family, pursued television appearances and then Tikki made a comeback to the stage as Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly.

Television claimed John for a while guided by the famous American entrepreneur Larry K. Nixon; then a stint as Victorian manager for NLT Productions, and producer of The Ray Taylor Show on ATV0 in its early days. John was later Company manager for the Moscow Circus before he and Tikki made their decision to go into the restaurant business.

John Newman was 94 years old, and passed away peacefully on Sunday the 28th of July 2024 in Melbourne. Condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and co-stars!