Mary Lives!

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Event Mary Lives!
Venue Merlyn Theatre @ CUB Malthouse, Southbank, VIC
First Date 5 June 1992
Opening Date 6 June 1992
Last Date 27 June 1992
Dates Estimated No
Status Professional
World Premiere Yes
Description Portrays the life of Mary Hardy, whose career balanced precariously between popularity and notoriety. Always pushing the limits of acceptability and fighting the consequences, Frank Hardy shows us how his sister refused to kowtow to middle-of-the-road managements, provoking radio listeners with her radical views and pioneering bawdy female satire in the early days of television. The play interweaves important public and private moments in Mary Hardy's career with a vast array of characters, humour and music.
Description Source Programme
Primary Genre Theatre - Spoken Word
Secondary Genre Biographical
Subjects Entertainers
Radio
Television
Theatre
Organisations
Contributors
Name Function Notes
Pat Bishop Actor various roles. Replaced Gerda Nicolson during previews due to Miss Nicolson's ill health
Ron Challinor Actor various roles
Maryanne Fahey Actor Mary
David Gray Actor
Kate Hosking Actor various roles
Bartholomew John Actor various roles
Gerda Nicolson Actor Sadly Miss Nicolson passed way during previews
Robert Taylor Administrator
Deb Munn Assistant Stage Manager
Ron Challinor Choreographer
Richard Jeziorny Designer
Malcolm Robertson Director
Mini Hogan Follow Spot Operator
Jill Smith General Manager
John Beckett Lighting Designer
David Gray Musical Director
Frank Hardy Playwright
Linda Aitken Production Manager
Ross Murray Stage Manager
Stuart McKenzie Technician
Resources
Works
Text Nationality Australia
Production Nationality Australia
Further Information Gerda Nicholson tragically died from a stroke during interval for a preview. She was replaced by Pat Bishop for the season & tours. Frank's book "Witness to Immortality" was the basis for the play.
Event Status Completed
Data Source
Source Description
Australian & New Zealand Theatre Record June, 1992
Programme
Data Reviewed By RobertTaylor on 17 July 2025
Event Identifier 16149
Dataset AusStage