Why do we do this?

The tables are turned! In this ENCORE episode, Josh takes charge of the questions and puts his fellow host, Lee Cook, in the hot seat. An actor with a love of storytelling, a strong stage presence and a healthy streak of mischief, Lee is usually happiest drawing stories out of other people. This time, it’s his turn to share. Revisit this early conversation about performing, finding your theatre family and the passion behind the podcast.

What better place to start than where it all began? For this ENCORE episode, we revisit our conversation with the booming voice and wonderful talent that is Joshua Coldwell. An actor, teacher and fellow host of Why Do We Do This?, Josh brings passion, humour and an enormous love of theatre to everything he does. This time, he’s answering the questions! Join us as we rewind to the beginning and get to know one of the voices behind the microphone.

For our final episode of 2027, we have someone very special. A powerhouse of a woman, eloquent, intelligent and deeply passionate about theatre, the wonderful Jill Bartlett OAM. Some of theatre’s greatest contributions happen behind the curtain, and Jill has spent more than five decades helping make the magic possible. As President of Therry Theatre, she brings an extraordinary commitment to Adelaide’s theatre community. First joining Therry in 1975, she discovered a place where her organisational talents could flourish and where a fabulous group of people would become an enduring part of her life. Her contribution is measured in countless hours of planning, organising and supporting the people who bring each production to the stage. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the performing arts in South Australia, Jill embodies the dedication, generosity and passion that keep community theatre thriving. A remarkable woman with a sharp mind, a generous heart and a wonderful story to tell. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the loveliest people we have ever met….Jill Bartlett OAM!

A respected director, a loving father and a passionate fan of Quentin Tarantino, Nick Fagan loves powerful theatre and has an unwavering commitment to doing things well. From his beginnings as an aspiring actor to becoming one of Adelaide’s most respected directors, Nick’s passion, determination and strong creative vision have helped shape community theatre into what it is today. But beyond the talent is a kind heart, a generous spirit and a man whose love for his craft and his girls shines through when he talks. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did. The wonderful Nick Fagan!

What a lovely man! A true gentleman, a wonderful storyteller and an extraordinarily talented director, Geoff Brittain has been a much-loved part of South Australia's theatre community for more than five decades. As a director, Geoff has brought some extraordinary, challenging productions to the stage. His work has earned numerous accolades, including Adelaide Critics Circle Awards and Adelaide Theatre Guide Curtain Call Awards. But beyond the impressive list of productions and achievements is a man with an enormous passion for theatre, a wonderful creative mind and a genuine love for bringing stories and people together. A brilliant director and one of the loveliest people you could hope to meet. The one and only, Geoff Brittain!