On January 14th we learned of the passing of Theatre Impresario, Martin McCallum. He was a featured guest on the STAGES podcast in January 2019. The podcast was only a year old, but Martin with his enthusiasm and vigour for supporting new ventures was keen at my first suggestion. I am so honoured that we were able to record some of his story in this episode.
Martin resided in Australia for the past 20 years. He was brought here originally when overseeing the transfer of global hit musicals such as Evita, to Australian shores; working alongside the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust.
The relationships he established in Australia would enable him to successfully bring Cameron Mackintosh’s four juggernaut musicals to our theatres in the 80s and 90s; Cats, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.
Martin guided Mackintosh’s overseas production ventures and managed Australian and New York offices. He worked closely with Mackintosh on restoring The Prince Edward and Prince of Wales theatres in London’s West End.
He commenced his life in the theatre as a stage manager and bit-part actor in regional repertory theatre in the UK, working his way up the ranks to joining Laurence Olivier and the National Theatre at the Old Vic in 1971.
Adept at all technical elements of the theatre, and proving himself as an accomplished manager, Martin oversaw the practical and technical transfer of the National to the South Bank building in 1976.
He was indeed a giant and gentleman of the theatre. And a lovely bloke and treasured friend to many of us.
Vale Martin McCallum (April 6, 1950 - January 14, 2024)
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