The First 50

“Because of Jo’s work, we have a really good comprehensive collection and now it’s a matter of filling the gaps and moving forward. What else do we want to collect? How do we want to tell the story of South Australian performing arts fully?” – Helen Trepa, Adelaide Festival Centre Performing Arts Coordinator About The First 50 Podcast Hosted by the powerful and sassy Libby O’Donovan, The First 50...

In episode 11, Matt Gilbertson chats to host Libby O'Donovan about the inspiration behind his alter-ego 'Hans'.

In episode 10, Eddie Perfect chats to host Libby O'Donovan about his affinity with Adelaide Festival Centre and his experience as a former Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival. "I feel like you have to do your duty and your hours of service at this place and then they show you another room or another little hallway that connects to another thing. I’ve been in the Banquet Room warming up...

In episode 9 of The First 50, host Libby O'Donovan talks to OzAsia Festival Artistic Director, Annette Shun Wah. "People talk about multiculturism and how wonderful it is because we get to eat a lot of different kinds of food, but I wanted to dig a bit deeper than just the cuisine. I wanted to dig into people’s history and their motivations to find things that make us different but ultimately what...

In episode 8 of The First 50 podcast, Adelaide Festival Centre Programming Executive Celia Coulthard along with proud Barkindji song woman Nancy Bates and the youngest winner of Don Dunstan Foundation OUR MOB Emerging Artist Prize, Temaana Sanderson-Bromley talk about their artistic influences and the ability for First Nations music, art and story-telling to unite and heal communities ahead of Ade...

In episode 7 of The First 50, Adelaide Guitar Festival Artistic Director, Slava Grigoryan, talks about his family’s musical history, his journey to Australia and how he navigated success at a young age.

Host Libby O'Donovan chats to Adelaide Festival Centre's first General Manager, Anthony Steel and current CEO and Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier, in celebration of 50 spectacular years of arts and culture. Listen in as they talk about Adelaide Festival Centre's past, present and future. Available now on all major streaming platforms — including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and Soundcloud. Thank you...

In episode 5, our host Libby O’Donovan chats to Australian music icon Kate Ceberano. Hear how our past Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director has transcended genres over her 40-year career and how she has recreated some of her greatest hits with an orchestra ahead of her Adelaide Cabaret festival 2023 show, My Life is a Symphony. More: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/digital/the-fir...

Ahead of DreamBIG Children's Festival 2023, hear how past Artistic Director, teacher and artist Sally Chance has had a significant impact on the wellbeing and self-expression of young people around the world. Sally Chance chats to host Libby O'Donovan on episode 4 of 'The First 50' podcast. Listen now on all major streaming platforms, and see Sally's latest work at this years DreamBIG Children's F...

In the lead up to World Theatre Day on the 27th March, hear how two iconic Australian performing artists met for the first time… at Adelaide Festival Centre! Rhonda Burchmore and Todd McKenney met in 1983 in Adelaide Festival Centre’s greenroom while performing in the musical Song and Dance. Hear them reminisce about their first performances, most memorable backstage moments and how pigeons helped...

In Episode 2 of The First 50 Podcast, hear didgeridoo virtuoso and acclaimed composer William Barton chat to host Libby O’Donovan about his inspiring career as a First Nations artist and his connection to Adelaide Festival Centre. Hear the 2023 Queensland Australian of the year talk about his story, his career, and his most memorable musical moments. Read more: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.c...

About Episode 1 — Hear internationally renowned cabaret and theatre performer Robyn Archer chat to host Libby O’Donovan as she delves into her history at Adelaide Festival Centre, what cabaret means to her and how she was part of the first ever performance in Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre which subsequently launched her career! Read more: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/digita...

Welcome to the First 50 podcast, a 50th birthday celebration for the Adelaide Festival Centre — the home of performing arts in South Australia. Hosted by the talented and sassy Libby O’Donovan, the First 50 podcast will provide 12 snapshot moments that cover Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50-year history. Hear stories, anecdotes and memories by those who have had their lives touched by live performanc...