Previously Published Book
Memoir
Biographic
For 70 years Babette Stephens’ stellar talents lit up several facets
of the entertainment business in Queensland:
Dancer, singer, actress, director, artistic director, radio talks hostess, ABC
radio drama actress, VIP personnel manager, journalist and social columnist,
theatre and film critic, TV games show panellist and soapie actress, film actress,
drama teacher, mentor and festival adjudicator—small wonder the media accorded
her the status Doyenne of the Entertainment Industry.
She helped shape the emerging cultural life of the city and it, in turn, shaped
her career. Never Upstaged celebrates the rise and rise of this revered
celebrity, as well as her role as a wife, mother, housewife, social hostess and
charity worker—a feminist way before the second ideological wave of the
1970s with whom she shared the vision but little of the methodology. No glass
ceilings for Babette!
This is a biography full of cultural history, personal achievements, humanity,
fond memories, personal anecdotes and humour.
"There was only one of her. That Brisbane had the benefit of her craft almost
exclusively, was an immense loss to theatre elsewhere in Australia." Barry
Creyton (Playwright, Stage and TV Star)
‘When [we] stand on stage [the audience] can’t see the 90% responsible
for getting us there…she obviously had the guts. She could do what it took! Hazel
Phillips (Variety Performer and TV Star)
"She created her own legend in her lifetime. And what a legend!" Brian
Moll (Stage and TV Actor)
"Babette was one of those inspiring women across the country who led theatre
in Australia during its formative years." Sue Rider (Former
Artistic Director, La Boîte Theatre Company)
"…indomitable and indestructible…" Alan Edwards Founding
Artistic Director, Queensland Theatre Company
"[Babette] was a very strong leader. Despotic even. It was interesting that
the two bids for leadership takeovers occurred in her absence." Peter
Settle Stage Manager and Comedy Actor