Greg Page || Annie The Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed the iconic Australian performer, Greg Page, most well-known as the Yellow Wiggle in the beloved band, ‘The Wiggles’, he is currently starring as President FDR in the much-loved Musical, Annie playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre 27 December – 31 January.

The beloved tale of Annie has been capturing the hearts of theatregoers around the globe for generations. And now the legendary, and inspiring musical returns to QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from December for a strictly limited season.

We talked to Greg about his time in ‘The Wiggles’, what drew him back to the stage, why audiences will enjoy Annie and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter, Greg! What first sparked your interest in performing?
I can remember loving performance from the age of 3, I don’t know what sparked it but it was certainly something that was there from a very young age.

I would always want to put on shows for my family and loved music and just the idea of entertaining people appealed to me for as long as I can remember.

You’re best known as the original Yellow Wiggle, part of one of the most iconic children’s groups in the world. Looking back, what lessons from that chapter have you carried with you into new roles like Annie?
I think the main lesson is that performance is about the audience not about the individual on stage.

No matter what the performance is the audience goes home having enjoyed an experience and that is what I love about the stage.

The Wiggles’ story has been told many times, but what’s a little-known detail from those early days that might surprise people?
The story of the Wiggles has been told before and there is not much people wouldn’t be aware of if they followed the story closely.

One of the endearing things about the Wiggles success – what you saw was the reality – there wasn’t much that was hidden from people and that made it so appealing.

What inspired you to return to the stage, and why do you think Annie still resonates so strongly with audiences?
For me returning to the stage was about trying something new that I hadn’t done before and it was the right time and wonderful opportunity. I think Annie has endeared itself to audiences for generations as it is a story that people can relate to.

A story of belonging and hope and at its very core humanity needs both things.

How have you approached playing President FDR, and what qualities of his resonate most with you?
I did do some character study for playing the role and I think that two characteristics of FDR that I really wanted to embrace were his strength as a leader, but also a sense of humour.

FDR had a wicked sense of humour and in Annie the Musical this gets to be played out in the cabinet scene – and is a great opportunity to explore some character development.

In terms of his strength, at the end of the story FDR has to break some bad news to Annie and that is where his leadership comes into play.

Annie’s song Tomorrow changes the way Roosevelt sees the world — what do you love about that moment in the show?
What I love about it is the fact that it is a message that is so true today, and that people should embrace it in their everyday lives.

We never know what is around the corner and when the sun comes up each day, it is an opportunity to see things in a different light.

Do you have a favourite scene or moment in the production?
I do – it is where I get Harold Ickes to stand up and sing in the cabinet scene – it is where FDR’s wicked sense of humour comes to the forefront.

What’s it been like working with this cast, and why should Brisbane audiences come see Annie at QPAC?
It has been amazing working with this cast because everyone of them has such great talent and have been so welcoming and supportive of my entrée to musical theatre.

Brisbane audiences should come and see it – because it is a terrific show – a reimagining of a classic production and perfect for the school holidays – full of songs that people know and love.