Who is Geraldine Turner?
Lita Encore in Ruthless.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would try not to be such a grammar nazi … Different from/ similar to …
Who inspires you and why?
My husband, Opera conductor, Brian Castles Onion. He is a hard marker, but a fair one. He finds clarity in his performances, whilst trusting the score and finding the theatricality in the music.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Difficult … I guess, really, we must find a way to ensure the security of the most vulnerable amongst us, including animals. Every creature deserves respect.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Oh … Probably Africa. The sky is open and wide, like Australia and seeing animals in their natural habitat is a life changing experience.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Palm Beach and that marvellous drive along the way, followed by the zoo on the way back and dinner in Chinatown.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve gone back to the works of Edith Wharton. I’m writing a play based on one of her stories.
What are you currently listening to?
Goodness me! Ruthless is all that is in my head!
Happiness is?
A warm puppy!
What does the future hold for you?
Much work, hopefully, my friends, my garden, my adored dogs and much laughter …
Geraldine Turner, OAM is synonymous with Australian show business, becoming a public favourite and a consummate performer in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry: an attribute which helped earn her an Order of Australia medal in the 1988 Bicentennial Honours list.
Her career in performance began at an early age. As a child, Geraldine Turner appeared in Aladdin, The Sleeping Princess and as a regular performer on Queensland’s Cottee’s Happy Hour. A further 10 years training in classical ballet and five years studying classical singing allowed her to pursue a more varied career.
Geraldine Turner has wowed theatre audiences in musicals like Oliver, Chicago, Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, operas and operettas like La Belle Helene and HMS Pinafore: and plays including Present Laughter and Don’s Party. She has performed across Australia as well as New York, London, Vancouver, San Francisco and Africa.
Her films roles include Careful He Might Hear You and Summerfield. On TV, Geraldine Turner has been a panellist on Beauty and the Beast, as well as acting in G.P, Natural Causes and That Man’s Father.
Geraldine has won several awards including two prestigious Green Room Awards (in 1984 for her role as Nancy in Oliver and again in 1989 for her role as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. She also won two Mo Awards, the first in 1989 (again for Anything Goes) – and in 1988 for her performance as Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd.
Geraldine will be starring as Lita Encore in Ruthless at The Seymour Centre for a limited season from 19 June. For more information, visit: www.seymourcentre.com for details.
Image: Geraldine Turner