Maggie then took to the stage and was welcomed by an appreciative audience, who were then invited to participate in a question and answer session. Some fans wanted to know what it was like to work on Prisoner; compared to Neighbours - in which Maggie replied that she felt Prisoner was much harder work, as she was only contracted to appear in Neighbours for two episodes a week rather than three.
Many fans wanted to know if her character would be returning to Neighbours, and if it was her choice to leave the show. Although Maggie remains staunchly proud of her association with the show, she made it clear that it certainly was not her decision to leave as she was enjoying playing Rosie, and was very sad at her being written out, as she felt it was such a positive portrayal of an older female figure - something rare in Australian television.
Some other questions ranged from the comical - ‘Who was the better kisser - Harold or Lou?’ - which had Maggie in fits of laughter, to some more serious questions pertaining to being a part of the Australian entertainment industry; the reasons surrounding her decision to retire based on the decreasing good roles for women her age, and her plans for the future.
Maggie presented a very entertaining overview of her career, with anecdotes from various shows and productions, and also her very fond memories of being in the UK when she was studying at RADA. We also got to find out more about her special link with Cornwall in England, in which it was only recently discovered that Maggie is a direct descendant of the woman that inspired the very first novel of writer Daphne du Maurier.
Maggie continued to regale the audience with her tales of being part of some of Australia’s most popular television dramas - including the many laughs (and out-takes!) that occurred during filming of Marie Winter’s helicopter escape in Prisoner. According to Maggie, a blow-up doll (“from a rude shop!“) was used for the scenes, and dressed in Marie Winter’s uniform. However on the first take, the producers didn’t realise that the doll needed to be weighed down, and so the scene was shot with Marie flapping around in the wind!
Also on offer during the evening was the chance for fans to purchase one of Maggie's pencil portraits, which was a brilliant portrait of Sheila Florance, who played 'Lizzie Birdsworth' in Prisoner. The portrait was sold on the night for £400 GBP.
Maggie has also been working on other portraits of Prisoner cast members, and their characters. Keep an eye on the website for more details!
A very enjoyable evening was had by all… and fans of Maggie’s work are invited to come along to our next evening during Maggie’s next visit to the UK. Details of which shall be posted on the website in due course.
Many thanks again to those of you who attended. Maggie thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and we look forward to seeing you all again next time. |
