Profile: John O’May

LOCAL PROFILE: JOHN O’MAY Enter tainer Extraordinaire

By Liz Clark A wall covered with framed drawings of costumes he has worn during various theatre shows is a dramatic reminder to John O’May of a life in theatre that has been rich and rewarding.

In his seaside cottage at Point Roadknight, there is little else obvious around him that reflects the lights and excitement of the stage, or an eventful life in music and drama, though John’s personality and zest for life give a small insight into his love for theatre, for entertaining, for the audience.

He has worked in all areas of the entertainment industry, as an actor and singer, dramatic artist, in cabaret, musical theatre and opera, radio, film, concert performances, writing and directing plays.

Born at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA, into a family of four children, John grew up with a love of reading and literature. He says his childhood was just normal, just like everyone else.

At university he dabbled a little in theatre work, involved in the basics, from building and painting sets, taking on acting roles, and learning a certain amount of stagecraft.

He taught English literature locally for two and a half years, and then decided to purchase a round-the-world ticket, planning to visit his sister in Australia whose husband was a member of the diplomatic corps here, and to see the world. Somehow, he just stayed here.

In 1972, he auditioned for the role of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the W ind, taking his first steps to a new career. He took some singing lessons, found himself an agent and stepped out into a new but uncertain world.

Theatre work is very much about opportunity. In 1973, John was offered an audition and role in Godspell, replacing John Waters as Judas. This show led to work at the Children’s Arena Theatre, to writing with John Diedrich for Gershwin, to T he 20s and all that Jazz, both here and in Hong

Kong and Bangkok, to Evita ,which opened in Adelaide and went on to Melbourne and Sydney.

John says he never tired of doing the same show over and over. Every night he said there is a different audience, a different interchange of relationships with them – every night is a new show.

He considers himself blessed to have worked with so many talented people, for work to just come along when he needed it (mostly), to have had wonderful opportunities to make so many friends in the industry.

He believes actors are amazing people – creative and inspiring. They are people who love what they do. They wouldn’t be there if they didn’t want to be there he says. Good workmates.

His attitude to work and people allowed John to try his hand at everything – dance, singing, TV work, film.

Over the years he has worked with Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, in TV, in films and productions of Starstruck and T he Divorce, the Games.

An ongoing list of his performances includes HMS Pinafore, Seven Little Australians, The Phantom of the Opera, The Merry Widow, Mamma Mia, Cabaret and The Last Confession.

John commented on the great number of beautiful theatres in Australia, not only in the capital cities, but many quite old and grand examples in smaller cities and country towns.

He is particularly fond of Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, not only for its grandeur and beauty, but it was there he received his first standing ovation in Godspell.

Another favourite is the Comedy Theatre. He remembers standing at the front of the Sydney Opera House and realising with elation “this is my workplace”. Occasionally, there were times of no work and he would consider returning to teaching.

Money wasn’t always easy. He had bought a property in Anglesea about 12 years ago, loving the close proximity to the sea, with the sound of the ocean always in the background. John used his off times to renovate his house, design and set up a wonderful cactus/succulent garden, and grow vegetables.

And of course, COVID has not been kind to those involved in the music or entertainment industries so life has allowed him to spend most of his time in Anglesea.

He is a member of a book club in Aireys Inlet, reads, listens to music, walks, spends time with his cherished granddaughter, and potters in the garden. A long way from camera, lights and action, but a wonderful time in his life as well.

John remarked on what theatre can mean to audiences.

He performed in Phantom of the Opera for three years, there was never an unsold seat, people booked months and months ahead.

One night, there was an empty seat, and much discussion among the cast. Why? It seems that it was not an empty seat – the ticket purchaser had died prior to his booking date, and the family had brought his ashes along in an urn. There he was, placed on the seat. Enjoying the show til the end.

Performer and writer John O’May