Hello everyone,

As we approach the end of another year, I thought it high time that I penned a few words to you all. I must say that in these turbulent times it can be a little challenging to find 'good news' but we must (as Monty Python says) always look on the bright side...that in itself can be a huge challenge, but I'll give it a go.

You may remember that early in '05 I did yet another tour of the wonderful Shoehorn Sonata, once again with my good friend Belinda Giblin. This is always a joyous and challenging venture but one that brings enormous satisfaction and delight to us and audiences of all ages. I have found it extremely gratifying to play to young people who are perhaps studying the play and to discover their responses to this heartwarming story that concerns a generation twice removed from most of them. We will be mounting a new production of this wonderful play in '07 and our tour then, we hope will be national. That is no mean feat in a country the size of Australia. I only hope that I'm still up for it as I shall then be 66 !!!!!!!

In the second half of '05 I was privileged to be cast in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. I played Yente, the matchmaker opposite the great Topol. This truly was a wonderful experience and to be on the same stage as that legend every night was an absolute master class in acting. He is truly an inspirational man and performer. At the age of 70, he performs 8 times a week in that mammoth role with the verve and gusto of someone half his age. It looks as though we may be doing it again in the New Year....to Brisbane and hopefully to Melbourne, where we will play in the wonderful Her Majesty's Theatre, refurbished to it's former glory by my old friend Mike Walsh (he produced the Prisoner musical in the U.K.) The 'Maj" has a long and illustrious history of musical theatre and indeed it was on that stage that I made my musical theatre debut in 'Irene' back in 1973 (I think).

As you can see, my dance card hasn't been exactly over flowing, but in the dodgy climate of theatre, I really can't complain. Although not a great load of work, what I have done has been of very high quality and I have some pride in my recent efforts.

It really has been a gloomy year for so many, both here and around the world. The changing face of society saddens and alarms me. I am constantly dismayed by the cruelty, racism and injustices around me and often feel great despair for my fellow humans. Although we may at times feel powerless against the forces of evil around us, perhaps if we show small kindnesses and care in our everyday lives to those around us, a better feeling of community may make it's way to the forefront of all of our lives.

Please be kind to each other and to our planet, may 2006 bring greater things for you all......but in the meantime, smile at someone today.

My love and best wishes,

Maggie

Click here for Maggie's first website message, from 2003.
Click here for Maggies website message from 2004.
Click here for Maggies website message from August 2006.
 
 

Please do not reproduce this on other websites or forums. It is written exclusively, by Maggie, for the Official Website.