For the last two months, New Zealand audiences have been entertained by the wondrous stage show Wicked. It will fly away on November 24, so theatre lovers have only a short time to catch the Broadway spectacle – a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz.
One of the stars of the show, Maggie Kirkpatrick, is a familiar face to NZ television audiences. Her breakthrough turn as the evil warden Jean “the freak” Fergusson in the iconic 80s drama Prisoner, has made her a household name. Playing Madame Morrible in Wicked, the 71-year-old is relishing being in a much-loved musical. But she still gets recognised for her infamous TV role.
“It’s ironic that ‘the freak’ is performing in a show called Wicked,” Maggie says. “I’m constantly astonished by the longevity of my TV role. It goes on and on.”
For the last five years, the Australian acting legend has graced the stage and starred in Wicked on tours in her home country and other parts of the world. But she’s enjoying her time here in New Zealand and starring with a talented cast, including our very own Jay Laga’aia, who is the Wizard of Oz.
“My love affair with NZ goes back to 1966. I came over here to live with my then-husband and daughter when she was three months. We were looking to perhaps settle here.”
Maggie was managing the modelling agency June Dally Watkins at the time. And although she enjoyed her job and discovered a great deal of talent, she moved back to Australia after a year.
“We started an adventure, but it didn’t continue. But I’ve always watched what has been happening in New Zealand with interest. “
Her homecoming to New Zealand has been an exciting part of her Wicked journey. She adores the show and loves being part of the Wicked whanau.
“Every child remembers The Wizard of Oz. It’s magical. We’ve all got to have a little bit of fantasy in your lives.
“More importantly, as an actor it gives me a range to work with. My character is not one-dimensional, she’s multi-faceted, and I have enjoyed seeing her grow. Having a role like that stops me from getting bored.”
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