Lessons from a Lifetime in Theatre

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G speaks with Annie Blood, someone whose connection to Australian theatre spans more than six decades. Annie’s love for the stage began backstage at the Alfred Hospital revue in the 1960s, sparking a lifelong passion for live performance. Over the years she has worked as a director, stage manager, production manager and actor, embracing the collaborative spirit of theatre. Annie reflects on her approach to honouring a playwright’s vision while keeping productions relevant for modern audiences, sharing insights from challenging works like The Shadow Box and the evolving professionalism of community theatre. She also discusses her current project, Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels, marking its 100th anniversary with wit, authenticity and social commentary. Annie’s story is one of dedication, adaptability and love for the art form, offering a heartfelt reminder that theatre’s magic lies in its ability to bring people together through shared human stories.

🎭 Fallen Angles 🗓️  15 August to 30 August 📍 Brighton Theatre Company, Brighton 🎟️  brightontheatre.com.au

Set in the dazzling world of the 1920s, Fallen Angels is a sparkling Noël Coward comedy about love, temptation and friendship under pressure. Julia and Jane are two best friends who believe they are happily married, until news arrives that Maurice, a charming former lover to them both, is returning to town. What begins as mild curiosity quickly spirals into a champagne-fuelled storm of anticipation, jealousy and self-reflection. As they prepare for his arrival, the women’s petty squabbles and rekindled passions lead to hilarious misunderstandings and escalating chaos. When Maurice finally appears, their carefully composed lives unravel in a flurry of razor-sharp banter and social satire. First performed in 1925, the play was groundbreaking in its frank exploration of female desire and agency. A century later, Fallen Angels still sparkles with wit, delivering a cheeky, fast-paced look at relationships that is as fresh and funny today as it was on its debut.

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ANNIE BLOOD’S involvement in community theatre began in the early 1960s as an inexperienced stage crew member and performer in the Alfred Hospital Revue. While working in the Physiology Department and studying English and Psychology at Monash University, she joined The Monash Players, sparking a lifelong passion for theatre, particularly backstage roles. After time spent in the UK and Europe, she settled in South Australia in 1976, where the vibrant community theatre scene became her creative home. Over the next three decades, Annie embraced almost every aspect of theatre, serving as President of Burnside Players, Artistic Director of Mayfair Theatre Company, and Production Manager for Matt Byrne Media. She also acted in memorable character roles, stage managed numerous productions, and directed plays for companies including Burnside, Elizabeth, The Hills, and Mayfair. Her career reflects deep dedication, versatility, and a love for the collaborative spirit that defines community theatre.