Adrian Moffett

New Idea

21 October 2008 

Lisa Mccune, Magda Szubanski and Marina Prior reveal why their production of classic stage musical Guys and Dolls is so much fun.

There’s never a dull moment when Lisa Mccune, Magda Szubanski and Marina Prior get together. When these friends aren’t gossiping and humming songs, they’re giving each other the giggles during performances of their hit musical Guys and Dolls
Following a successful run in Melbourne, the show begins in Sydney early next year. And with it comes an all-star cast that also includes Gary McDonald, Ian Stenlake and Shane Jacobson. The dolls of Australian entertainment share their backstage banter with New Idea – and it’s a laugh-a-minute gabfest.

What is it like backstage during a performance of Guys and Dolls?
Lisa: We’re much more professional than just our normal chats.
Magda: No we’re not!
Lisa: Marina always makes me laugh.
Magda: And Lisa always makes me giggle.
Lisa: People coming in recently for a matinee saw Marina laugh so much that she couldn’t finish the last song!
Marina: Lisa and I were doing a duet and we got the giggles. It’s horrible when that happens. It’s like being at school and told not to laugh. Of course, you can’t help it.

Do you stir them, Magda?
Magda: No!
Lisa: Oh, yes you do!

Do you talk about your kids?
Marina: Lisa and I both have three children, so we do talk about the kids. Sometimes Lisa will say her little one has been up all night, and I identify with that.
Magda: I don’t relate at all to that.

Magda, are you the naughty aunty to their kids and teach them bad habits?
Magda: Never! Seriously. Actually, it’s sometimes weird because everyone has a slumber party, then I come in with my moustache [Magda plays male mobster Big Jule]. It introduces a slightly weird night.

How do you all relax backstage?
Magda: The cryptic crossword. A few of us are long-term cryptic crossword fans. Lisa hasn’t applied herself in the same way as Marina has, but she shows promise.
Lisa: We also talk about our love of food and about travel.
Marina: It’s got to the stage where it’s like a girls sleepover. We get ready for the show, talk and have snacks at intervals.
Lisa: mmm, saladas! We also have some major conversations too.
Marina: The meaning of life…

What do you like about live theatre?
Magda: It’s like a party every night.
Marina: Although we all muck around, there comes a point in our professional side when we are all perfectionists.
Magda: This is the longest thing I’ve ever done. I thought my attention wouldn’t last. Obviously I must have ADHD.
Marina: Actually, you have AD PhD. You’re very smart!

*Guys and Dolls opens at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on March 12 2009. Tickets are now on sale. For details visit www.ticketmaster.com.au