Margaret Fulton
I Sang for my Supper
a musical by Yuri Worontschak and Doug MacLeod
"Margaret Fulton: I Sang for My Supper"
a musical by Yuri Worontschak
and Doug MacLeod
is a musical homage to the life and legacy of Australia's culinary icon, Margaret Fulton. The musical artfully dramatizes Fulton's journey from humble beginnings to becoming the nation's inaugural cooking superstar, revolutionizing Australian cuisine and influencing the culinary habits of households across the country.
The narrative begins against the backdrop of World War II, where a young Margaret starts her career in a factory, far from the kitchens she would later dominate. The story follows her as she navigates life in The Rocks, Sydney, as a resilient single mother, facing the challenges of an era marked by male dominance. Despite societal constraints, Fulton's tenacity and passion for food drive her to break glass ceilings, as she embarks on a culinary adventure that transforms her life and the Australian food scene.
Margaret Fulton's personal life, marked by romances, heartbreaks, and financial ups and downs, is intricately woven into the storyline, providing a poignant, relatable backdrop to her professional triumphs. Her journey of love, loss, success, and near-ruin reflects the multifaceted nature of her character, making the musical a deeply engaging experience for the audience.
First staged in 2012 in St Kilda, the musical was met with acclaim, heralded as "terrific" by The Australian, "hilarious" by the Herald-Sun, and "infectious fun" by The Age. The portrayal of Fulton's life story, combined with the lively, inspiring music and lyrics, captured the hearts of theatergoers, making it an instant classic.
Highlighting Fulton's impact on domestic cooking, the musical features songs and narratives that celebrate her philosophy of bringing simple, elegant cooking to Australian homes. Her famous cookbook, which sold 1.5 million copies, serves as a symbol throughout the play, representing her influence on generations of Australian and English housewives.
Since its debut, "Margaret Fulton: I Sang for My Supper" has seen over a hundred performances across Australia, from Cairns to Kalgoorlie, featuring notable cast members like Amy LaPalmer and Zoy Frangos. The touring production has allowed Fulton's story and culinary philosophy to reach a wide audience, commemorating her legacy in Australian culture.
In 2018, at the age of 94, Margaret Fulton reflected on her life, humorously noting her unfulfilled dream of becoming a bluebell dancer and how this twist of fate led her to her true calling in the culinary world. This personal anecdote adds depth to the portrayal of Fulton in the musical, highlighting her wit and the serendipitous nature of her culinary career.
The musical stands as a tribute to Margaret Fulton, who passed away, along with the book writer, Doug McLeod. Their departures mark the end of an era but also cement the enduring legacy of Fulton's influence on cooking and culture. "Margaret Fulton: I Sang for My Supper" is not just a celebration of her life and work but a testament to her indelible impact on the culinary world and Australian society.
Contact
Jacobsen International
David Jacobsen
david@jacobseninternational.com
+61 420 433 231
