Geraldine Turner is an icon of Australian show business. In a career that has spanned four decades she has done it all, working in musicals, theatre, opera, television, film and radio.
On 9 February Turner will perform at Ipswich Civic Centre in Turner’s Turn, a celebration of her incredible life on stage and first cabaret performance in more than 10 years.
Ipswich First caught up with Turner ahead of her performance.
1. You’ve been described as one of Australia’s most legendary leading ladies. How does that sit with you?
I don’t know about legendary. To me, you’re not a legend ’till you’re dead! But, yes, I am one of the few old school leading ladies in this country. So, I guess it sits quite well with me.
2. What’s your favourite musical and why?
Impossible to answer. I guess the 1950s and 60s are considered the golden age of American musical theatre and they are the shows I love – Gypsy, Call Me Madam, She Loves Me, to name a few. But when I saw Nine and Grand Hotel on Broadway in the 90s, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Not to mention all the Sondheim shows, and I have appeared in a lot of them…Sweeney Todd…fabulous!
3. Given you’re performing at Ipswich Civic Centre, how important are regional performing venues to Australia’s arts scene?
Very Important. I love doing regional concerts and shows and bringing good theatre to smaller centres. It is all about the work, not where you are doing it.
Maybe they’ll find out a little about me. They can expect honesty, authenticity and a lot of laughs. Maybe they’ll be touched. Hopefully, they’ll be surprised at times and of course, they’ll enjoy a satisfying musical night in the theatre.
5. Turner’s Turn is your first cabaret performance in more than 10 years, how does it feel to return to this style of performance?
Great. You must be absolutely yourself. I think I do that well. So it’s a wonderful opportunity to really share myself and a few characters with my audience.
6. Your career has spanned four decades, what do you put your longevity in show business down to?
I suppose talent helps. But really, you must keep reinventing yourself to enjoy a long career. And I am versatile. I have worked in musicals, threatre, opera, television, film, radio, MC work, recordings and cabaret. So, there’s the answer.
