Who is Diana Burleigh?
Diana is a well-known actor, director, reviewer and radio presenter. She is particularly recognised for her work directing Gilbert & Sullivan operas.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
My family had no experience of or interest in anything artistic so I had no encouragement when I became besotted with theatre at an early age. I would perhaps choose other parents (no not really) but would have ignored their discouragement and become more involved as a child and tried to hone my skills earlier.
Who inspires you and why?
People who generally share their time and talents for the greater good in the wider world. These are the people who give to help those who could do with a boost in diverse fields. My interest in the arts has allowed me to to experience people who invest in volunteer organisations which pave the way for others to come involved. These include organisations like the Victorian Association for Drama in Education, the Victorian Drama League, Theatre Heritage Australia and work on community radio.
At the moment I am involved with The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria. I am inspired by the committee members who devote hours into organisation, finding a new workshop home and mounting and promoting many productions; by those who build sets and create costumes; by the directors who bring out the talent of aspiring performers and create productions of high standards for the benefit of the greater community
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am passionate in my belief that exposure to and involvement in the arts is an essential part of human development. Sadly too many Australians regards the arts as something for the elite, while they consider sports as the most important element of society.
If we were able to give them the same exposure to the arts as they have to sport, then there would be a much greater participation and enjoyment of theatre, music, and so on. I would greatly increase arts funding at the expense of heavily reduced sports funding (which does not mean I put no value on sporting activities).
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere apart from where I am! I try to visit somewhere different every year to experience the culture and life of other nations, as they are now and as they have developed historically. I have travelled extensively over all continents, except Antarctica. I often try to align my travels to finish with some time in England where I have family and if possible at a time when I can attend the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, to mix with the many lovers of the Savoy Operas.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Arts Centre of course. I would like to book visitors into productions and also visit the wonderful old theatres like Her Majesty’s and The Princess. I would also hope to give them a glimpse of “Marvellous Melbourne” as it can still be found. Why? Because I like to share my loves with my friends most of whom hold the same interests as I do.
What are you currently reading?
Entertaining Mr Coppin by Simon Plant – this has been published very recently by Theatre Heritage Victoria and gives an engaging and educational look at the adventures of a pioneer of Australian theatre.
What are you currently listening to?
As I have devised an entertainment to celebrate both the sesquicentenary of the Gilbert and Sullivan partnership and the 90th birthday of Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria, I am listening to the music that will be part of the presentation of what we are calling Jubilee. It brings back again the excellence of these works, the brilliance of the way in which the words and music are married together. I marvel at how contemporary the themes of the opera still are.
Happiness is?
Achieving success in my varied ventures and sharing it with those who are important to me.
What does the future hold for you?
The immediate future is wrapped up in my work for Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria. This year marks the sesquicentenary of Trial by Jury (which began the partnership) and our 90th birthday. To celebrate these I have devised an entertainment which will present Trial by Jury and then take a musical walk down the ages, showing the history of G&S in Victoria.
Messers Gilbert and Sullivan themselves return to bring to the stage many of those whose were important in presenting the operas, including JC Williamson, Sir Frank Tait and many others who formed our society and let it grow to being a respected and award winning company. The cast includes some who have been members for more than 40 years as well as our newest and youngest talent, which lays the path for our continued future into perhaps the next century.
Diana is the Artistic Director of Jubilee (featuring Trial By Jury) – which will celebrate 90 years of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria – presented at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre (2) from 17 – 19 October 2025. For more information, visit: www.gsov.org.au for details.
Image: Diana Burleigh (supplied)