Explore every episode of the podcast Why do we do this?

From the mammoth challenge of Angels in America to favourites including The Lady in the Van, Collaborators, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Stage Beauty and One Man, Two Guvnors, Viki’s contribution to South Australian theatre has been considerable. But for Viki, theatre has always been about much more than costumes and productions, it’s about the friendships, the laughter and the wonderful sense of family she has found along the way, with the unwavering support of her husband, Kevin. Now surrounded by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Viki looks back on a life filled with nursing, family and theatre with a wonderfully simple sentiment: “I wouldn’t change a thing. Life is great.” We give you one of our favourite human beings. Hard-working. Caring. Fun. Intelligent. Creative. A wonderful friend, a remarkable woman and an absolute treasure of the theatre community. The one. The only. Viktoria Burrett!

David Gauci is a man of many talents. A theatre director, producer, actor, singing teacher, cabaret artist, writer, and designer, the list goes on. His career has spanned both amateur and professional theatre, taking him from community stages to productions across Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. As the founder of Davine Productions, David has built an extraordinary reputation for producing, directing, and designing award-winning theatre, while continuing to inspire the next generation as a singing teacher and music educator. But beyond the impressive résumé and countless accolades, David is simply one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. A true gentleman, generous with his time, passionate about the arts, and someone who leaves every room brighter than when he entered it. Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy our conversation with the wonderful David Gauci as much as we did!

Annabel Whitford-Miller is a passionate advocate for South Australia’s theatre community, serving as the Administrator and Secretary of the Adelaide University Theatre Guild, where she has been instrumental in supporting productions, volunteers and artists. A skilled organiser with experience in stage management, performance and production, she is widely respected for the energy, professionalism and enthusiasm she brings to every aspect of community theatre.

Alongside her work behind the scenes, Annabel is a podcaster and interviewer with For the Love of Theatre, where she celebrates the people and productions that make Adelaide’s theatre scene so vibrant. A true multi-talented, hyphenated creative, she is passionate about connecting with artists, sharing their stories and championing the rich and diverse performing arts community across South Australia.

Our guest is an actor, director, producer, teacher, mentor, and, alongside his wife Libby, the driving force behind Red Phoenix Theatre Company. Through his work both on and off the stage, he has built a reputation for championing ambitious productions, nurturing emerging talent through Theatre Bugs, and creating opportunities for artists of all ages to grow and thrive. Whether directing a cast, teaching the next generation of performers, producing Adelaide premiere works, or stepping into the spotlight himself, Michael brings a passion, professionalism, and dedication to theatre that is evident in everything he does. His commitment to the arts has helped establish Red Phoenix Theatre as one of South Australia's most respected theatre companies, while inspiring countless performers throughout the community. Drum roll, please... Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Michael Eustice.

Our next guest is a man who has spent a lifetime championing the arts, celebrating creativity, and sharing stories that matter. Whether you know him as a critic, author, director, actor, broadcaster, columnist, or tireless promoter of South Australia, there is no denying the extraordinary impact that Peter Goers has had on the artistic landscape of our state. His wit, wisdom, and unmistakable enthusiasm have made him a beloved figure both on and off the stage. What makes this conversation particularly special is that Peter is usually the one asking the questions. As an accomplished interviewer and host, he has spent years with Australian Broadcasting Corporation drawing stories from others. Today, however, the spotlight turns on him, and he proves to be just as wonderful a guest as he is host. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to welcome Peter Goers!

Our next conversation captures the very heart of Adelaide theatre, a story of friendship, hard work, creativity, teamwork, and the remarkable journeys that can begin with a single opportunity.Our guest has spent decades enriching the local theatre community as a performer, assistant director, and committee member, helping create memorable productions while building lasting friendships along the way. This episode is a reminder that one small decision can change everything! A simple newspaper advertisement, and the courage to answer it, led to a lifelong passion and gave Adelaide theatre one of its most dedicated and passionate advocates.This is a warm and inspiring conversation about connection, community, and the power of saying yes.Please enjoy our conversation with the wonderfully talented and much-loved Tracey Walker.

What a true privilege it was to sit down with a much-loved director, critic, teacher, president, and passionate advocate for the arts in the Adelaide theatre scene, Kym Clayton. A respected voice and guiding presence, Kym has dedicated countless years to nurturing talent, championing great theatre, and helping shape the local performing arts community here in SA. As president of the much-cherished Galleon Theatre Company, Kym continues to lead with passion, insight, and an unwavering love for the stage. It’s been a long time coming and well worth the wait! Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Kym Clayton!

Georgia Stockham is a vibrant and dynamic presence within Adelaide theatre. A performer whose energy, commitment, and natural stage presence make it hard not to take your eyes off her. Georgia brings warmth, humour, and authenticity to every room she steps into, however onstage she can be anything! A generous collaborator and a joy to work alongside, she embodies the very spirit of community theatre—supportive, enthusiastic, and deeply invested in the craft and it shows in every performance. We’re lucky to call her a friend, and even luckier to have her here sharing her love of theatre.

We finally got to sit down with a much-loved director, actor, and producer in the Adelaide theatre scene, Dave Simms. A gentleman in the truest sense, Dave is talented, hardworking, and a great friend, mentor, and theatre lover. As the driving force behind Blue Sky Theatre here in South Australia, Dave has brought exciting and innovative productions to some of the state’s most stunning garden settings. Is there anywhere this man can’t stage a piece of theatre and make it funny, enjoyable, and worthwhile? We don’t think so. It’s been a long time coming—and well worth the wait. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Dave Simms.

Lindsay Prodea is a true cornerstone of the Adelaide theatre scene, a performer whose presence is as compelling as it is assured. A great friend an award winner actor and an all-round great bloke, Lindsay is as valued offstage as he is admired on it. With a career spanning a wide range of productions and companies, he has built a reputation for performances marked by intelligence, depth, and undeniable stagecraft. Whether tackling complex drama or lighter, character-driven work or show stopping musical numbers, he brings nuance, wit, and authenticity to every role. Fresh from his highly delightful and award-winning cabaret show, this busy theatre-maker still found time to sit down with Josh and Lee for their return or shall we say Act Two of this little podcast celebrating the people who share their love, talent, and passion within the Adelaide community theatre. Enjoy! It’s great to be back!

In our final interview for 2020, we sit down with the man, the myth, the (lighting) legend: Richard Parkhill. Richard is a master of illumination, whose award winning lighting designs have shone throughout the theatre scene for decades. Join us as we travel through the unique and, at times, hilarious history of a great and surprising man. A kind and honest look at a icon of Adelaide theatre, without further adieu and jingling of Christmas bells, here is Richard Parkhill!

A true variety player, and a great friend to all he meets. This man’s generosity is like a soothing antidote to many of the world’s ills. When you are lucky enough to be in the presence of Steve Marveneck, you are warmed by his kind heart and natural curiosity. Having worked for most of the Adelaide theatre groups and directors, he has showcased his talents across the gamut of possibilities. From villain to cad to lothario to best mate - Steve can play them all. We’re glad he’s our mate and he’s here talking all things theatre.

Another dame of the Adelaide theatre community, you cannot help but be compelled by the charismatic Lindy LeCornu. Her energy is infectious; her passion admirable; her talent, sought after and respected. Lindy is not only a warm, funny, vibrant great companion, friend and actress - she is a marvellous soul. Enjoy!

Rob Andrewartha is a milliner, a costume designer and a true creative. Though his experience spans decades, his design work spans more than two centuries - from 1810, 1920 to the rocking 1950s and beyond! His ability to transform a show and a performance through his exquisite talent, taste and attention to detail is unparalleled. Many a show has rested on the shoulders of his bold, subtle and articulate period costumes. The quality of his costuming prowess is such that whole shows can be staged with his dressing and styling - with no backgrounds required!
Who needs sets when we have the humble, kind natured, all round great human - Rob!

Dr. Miriam Keane has graced many facets of our theatre community. Onstage, backstage, directing, on committees and writing reviews. Miriam is a hard-working and devoted thespian. When she is not involved in a show as a versatile actress, precise director or another hands on role, she’s seated in the theatre to enjoy, support and participate as an enthusiastic audience member. There’s not many people that can tackle - and make the most of - all these disciplines and always come out on top but Ms Keane is one! Enjoy!

When you’re looking for a Stage Manager or Director in the Adelaide theatre scene, Patsy Thomas is the gal you want in your corner. Cool, calm, supportive, intelligent and warm, she is a consummate professional. Her experience spans from good old musicals to pantomimes and the more straight-laced theatre stylings.

We are forever grateful that Whyalla, “where the desert meets the sea”, let us have her. Our community is far richer for it! So without further adieu, ladies, gentlemen we give you - Patsy Thomas!

Bronwyn Ruciak is a jill of all trades when it comes to the Adelaide theatre scene. Actor, producer, marketer and keen supporter of many companies. We're blessed for getting her boundless energy in the studio to talk about why she does the wonderful magic you all get to see. Bronwyn’s creativity has grown wings and taken flight with her company - Butterfly Theatre. Aimed at creating brave shows in quirky spaces - think pubs, clubs and anywhere in between - the company was born of a love for the “the Athens of the south” (as she affectionately calls Adelaide). With Butterfly Theatre Bronwyn has taken the brave step to guide Adelaidean audiences into new and exciting realms and changed our idea of the pub as place of celebration to place of performance. You may pick up on some advice and inspiration your-self or just enjoy this very fun chat! Enjoy!

If you’ve performed in amateur theatre in the last few years, you’ve likely been poked, prodded or handed a prop by one of the “Prop Tarts”. Jan Farr and Heather Jones, aka the Prop Tarts, are a staple of the theatre community. These diligent, detail oriented and delightful women are a testimony and example of what keeps the theatre scene going - and what makes a show come to life. They bring subtlety, attention to detail, highly honed nuance and humour to everything an actor touches and all things that grace the stage, to create a world you can believe in - or want to be part of. Done well, prop magic goes unnoticed by an audience. But not by us! It’s time to bring them to the front, for their well-earned bow.

Mr. Norm Caddick is one of the hearts of the Adelaide theatre scene. From striding the boards in UK repertory theatres as a young(er) man, he has enjoyed acting with most Adelaide companies and sitting in the director’s seat at nearly every Adelaide theatre. A true gentleman, he brings warmth, sincerity and kindness to everything he does - and everyone he encounters. An actor, director and all-round delight, of expansive knowledge and considerable expertise, please enjoy the dulcet tones of the ever-smiling, Norm Caddick.

Julie Quick is an unofficial dame of the Adelaide theatre community. She has a resume spanning decades of award-winning shows and performances and many a happy audience appreciative of her charms. She is open, funny, refreshingly honest and brings a unique insight into our wonderful world. You’re gonna love this one!

Lindsay Dunn is a stalwart of the Adelaide theatre community, with experience spanning all genres. With his warm nature and intriguing storytelling, he is a gentleman par excellence. From music to acting and all round charms, sit back and enjoy an hour with this charismatic conversationalist!

Continuing on in the theme of being brave, our next guest embodies courage in spades. From her choices of shows that she directs, to her candid conversation, she is a delight! With a lifetime of experience that spans across performing, producing and directing....Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you Hayley Horton!

Our FIRST guest is the deliciously funny Nicole Rutty. A brave and versatile actress who is deftly apt at both dramatic and comedic roles. She brings such heart every time she takes the stage - borne from a spirit of gratitude that she draws from her every day life.

This episode Josh turns the mic around on his co-host Lee Cook. Known for his strong stage presence, Lee is an actor who consistently delivers whether he’s taking on leading roles or showcasing his impressive range across a variety of characters. Lee has built a reputation not just for his performances, but for his passion, insight, with just the right amount of mischief. Now it’s his turn in the hot seat. Expect laughs, honesty, and maybe a few surprises as the tables are well and truly turned. Enjoy!

Joshua Coldwell is a dynamic force within the Adelaide theatre scene, with a presence that is equal parts commanding and captivating. An award-winning actor, co-host of the Why Do We Do This? podcast, and a dedicated teacher, he brings insight, passion, and a deep love of Adelaide community theatre to the mic. A great friend and an all-round great bloke, he is as generous offstage as he is compelling on it, building a reputation for bold, engaging performances that resonate with audiences. With experience spanning a wide range of productions and companies, he is the perfect host for a podcast about theatre and why we do what we do.