Success stories from community theatre in Australi

Greetings to all!
I have been asked to carry out some investigations to try to obtain the names of successful/famous film or TV or and stage actors who have started off their career with a community theatre group or an amateur theatre group.
Of immediate interest is australian artists but information on other nationalities is welcome too.
I need this information by Friday evening at 5pm so would appreciate if anyone out there can help out.
regards
John Flood

hmmmm.....

The Limelight Theatre in Wanneroo had many success stories, the most widely known is Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, further info: http://home.primus.com.au/avg/maggiedoyle/mccune/ )who began her career there.

This theatre is worth researching by itself, it has had some huge talent pass through its doors since its inception in the 80s...

I don't know much more about its history, but you can find some names of people to talk to on the limelight theatre website @ http://limelighttheatre.com (is someone gonna tell me how to link on here!??!)

Alan D. Thompson

Ann Adlem (performed in Phantom of the Opera and Whistle Down the Wind on the West End), Christine Ewing (played Fantine in Les Mis in Australia among other credits), Charmaine Clements (has performed in many musicals in Australia and is one member of the successful cabaret trio Combo Fiasco) and Martin Crewes (played Marius in the West End to name just one credit) have all performed with Playlovers in years gone by. They are not household names like Lisa but they have certainly had success in the industry.

Alan,

Put the address inside and Bob's your uncle!

Hi John, this is probably about a week and a day late but as a matter of interest, Laura Black (ex Harbour Theatre) was accepted at WAAPA about 20 years ago and has turned out to be a very versatile actress on the local professional scene. She will appear in "A Poor Student" at Effie Crump next year.