If you ever thought that the life of Scottish born Australian food and cooking 'guru', writer, journalist, author, and commentator. Margaret Fulton was staid, think again.
2018 marks the 50th anniversary of 'The Margaret Fulton Cookbook'. It was first published in 1968 by the publishing phenomenon of the 60s and 70s, Paul Hamlyn. By 1978 it had sold more than two-thirds of a million copies, a figure that eventually grew to 1.5 million.
It is therefore very fitting Bondi Theatre Company producer, David Spicer has brought back to the stage for a limited 10 date Sydney premiere season at the iconic Bondi Pavilion Theatre, the comedic musical celebrating Ms Fulton's life and career, Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert.
Based on Margaret's autobiography, 'I Sang For My Supper - Memories of a Food Writer', the musical's upbeat, lively script was written by Doug MacLeod and its music was composed by AFI Award Winning composer Yuri Woronstschak. Musical direction is expertly handled by Mary Lennon. Having being first produced in 2012 by Theatreworks in Melbourne, the script was updated by Doug for the Sydney premiere.
A spirited all singing and dancing cast of six, delightfully glide you through effortlessly at the direction of Ruth Fingret, an epic tale of adventurous living and determination that is the story of Margaret Fulton. Choreography is looked after by Emma Jarman. The actors also take you on a brief 50 year history of the Australian food scene. You get to experience how drab our food culture was before Margaret came along.
Manon Gunderson-Briggs plays Margaret with passion and a twinkle, definitely singing for her supper. Margaret's one constant friend, Bea is played with panache by Rebecca Spicer and her mother is portrayed by Clare McCallum.
The remaining three actors, swap between numerous roles to represent some of the standout characters within Margaret's life such as husbands, lovers, family and employees or influential businessmen. Notably, Alexander Morgan plays ex husband Denis Doonan with a great Irish accent, and the publishing guru Paul Hamlyn with stylish glamour. Brett ONeill plays with exuburence ex husband Trevor, as well as a significant romantic partner of Margaret's Micheal McKeag with heartfelt emotion. Jasmine Sands plays husband stealer, Mandrake the Magician with bohemian charm.
Emma Maloney's stage management tops the musical off with endearing quality as she recreated Margaret's kitchens, the swinging sixties of London, and other locations that form part of the journey.
Running from October 12 to 27, you better get in quick for a fun filled discovery of Margaret Fulton's fullsome life. Tickets can be purchased at www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au
