STAGES Episode 525: WENDY-LEE PURDY

STAGES with Peter Eyers

Wendy-Lee Purdy’s performing career has been varied and exciting. After completing a Bachelor of Music Education degree at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, Australia in piano and voice, she then studied acting at the Australian Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is presently based in London.

Wendy's launch into professional theatre commenced with Chess at the Theatre Royal in Sydney, directed by Jim Sharman. She next performed with the Australian Opera encompassing 19 productions including Der Rosenkavalier, Adriana Lecouvreur, Le Nozze Di Figaro, Mer De Glace, Fiddler On The Roof, L’Italiana In Algeri, Peter Grimes, Romeo and Juliet, Maria Stuarda, Fidelio, Verdi’s Requiem Mass, Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg and Turandot.

Further theatre credits include: Sister Mary Theresa and Understudy Mary Lazarus in Sister Act (UK Tour), Mama Morton - Chicago (Japan & International); Mother Abbess/Frau Schmidt - The Sound of Music (UK Tour & Gordon Craig); Fiddler on the Roof (Savoy Theatre, London – Fruma Sarah and Shaindel, understudy Golde, Yente and Grandma, assistant dance captain); Mamma Mia! (international tour – ensemble understudy Rosie, Tanya and Donna); Oliver! (Australia and Singapore – Mrs Sowerberry and understudy Widow Corney, Old Sally and Mrs Bedwin); The Wizard of Oz (GFO), The Phantom of the Opera (Australia and New Zealand – Confidante, understudy Carlotta, Wardrobe Mistress and Mme Firman); Turandot (Sydney Football Stadium) and Cats (Australia and South East Asian tour – understudy Jellylorum/ Griddlebone, Jennyanydots/Gumbie.)

Recent appearances in Australia saw Wendy perform at The Hayes Theatre in productions of Half Time as Fran and Aspects of Love as Elizabeth.

Wendy has recorded six CDs, including cast recordings of The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof and nursery rhymes for the Department of Education. She has appeared in various television commercials, films and voiceovers.

Wendy has just completed a season in the West End theatre district of London alongside Imelda Staunton in Jerry Herman’s Hello Dolly!

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