Greetings all,
 
It seems so long since I sent a message to all you lovely folk, that I thought it high time I did so. Although I wonder sometimes why my very ordinary life can be of interest to you.
 
As you probably know, a good part of the last 12 months has been taken up with playing Yente in a wonderful production of Fiddler on the Roof where I had the great pleasure of playing opposite the legendary Topol. What a superb performer....watching him every night was like a master class in acting. He is also a remarkable human being who devotes an enormous amount of time and money to helping the less fortunate, particularly children and the aged. Sadly in most affluent societies, these are the most neglected.

We had sellout performances in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne where we played in the wonderful Her Majesty's theatre. This magnificent venue was purchased (and no doubt saved from demolition) some time ago by my good friend Mike Walsh who restored it it to it's former art deco beauty. This is a theatre incredibly rich in the history of Australian show business. It was a nostalgic return for me as I'd not played there for over 30 years when I made my musical theatre debut in "Irene". I hope it's not another 30 years till I return.

Coming back to Sydney I recorded a performance on a new variety show for Foxtel. It's called Studio A with Simon Burke.

Simon is a most accomplished and experienced actor in all fields from musical theatre to Playschool to serious drama and comedy. He made his debut with an award winning performance as a schoolboy in Fred Schepisi's film Devil's Playground.....and now, all these years down the track he is stil a treasured friend and president of Actor's Equity !!!! On the show, we chatted, I told a few yarns, sang Girls in Our Town and finished with a duet with Simon of Only an Older Woman. Both of these songs have featured in my (now passe) one woman show.

I am about to record (on August 25) a segment of 'Where Are They Now'....I guess it's a kind of Prisoner reunion. I'm not sure who'll be on the show with me but it goes out on Channel 7. I don't care for that title (and have said so) as it smacks of 'has been'. As you know I have been an actor for 45 years and Prisoner constitutes only 4 1/2 years of that time.......but as most of my work has been in the theatre, I guess I just have to bear the knowledge that so many people only know me for that one role. Ah! the power of television.But 'has been' ? I don't think so.
 
On a more serious note, I recently underwent a four hour operation to remove a rather nasty little polyp/tumour from my colon.It was a bit of a shock but thankfully it was discovered during a routine colonoscopy and after 20cms of colon was removed, the all clear was given....no malignancy. So, I am recovering extremely well and thankful for my vigilence in matters of health. I share this news with you because I realise that so many people are shy, embarrassed or whatever about discussing bodily functions, particularly matters of the bowel. DON'T BE COY. Bowel cancer is highly prevalent....but can be avoided and indeed cured if caught early enough. Be aware of your bodies....and take apropriate steps with your G.P.if you have any doubts !
 
As winter subsides and all the usual trappings of spring appear.....my wattle is in bloom and the native birds in my garden are getting frisky......and I feel the call of my neglected garden, I really must get out there and do some work !

My next role will once again be Bridie in the beloved Shoehorn Sonata which will tour Australia early next year. Once again I will be touring with dear Belinda Giblin and no doubt we'll have a laugh or six. I shall have to work out how to put the itinerary on to the website for friends in Oz (and for any of you who might visit us during your northern winter).

In the meantime, stay safe and well and thank you again for your support.
 
Warmest regards,
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 January 2006.
 

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