STAGES Episode 607: AMANDA PELMAN

From Brighton Beach in Melbourne to a garret overlooking Notre Dame in Paris, Amanda Pelman’s life has unfolded at the intersection of music, theatre and bold reinvention.She began as a radio journalist while studying at RMIT, before heading to London in 1981 to work with Dire Straits. Recruited home by Michael Gudinski to Mushroom Records, Amanda spent eleven years as publicist, label manager and A&R manager, signing emerging artists including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. She co-managed Jimmy Barnes, co-founded Body Beat and Melodian Records with Ian “Molly” Meldrum, and guided Indecent Obsession to No.1 hits across Europe and Asia and a US Billboard Top 20.Transitioning to theatre, Amanda became Casting Consultant for Cameron Mackintosh Productions on RENT, auditioning thousands for just 24 roles. She went on to cast major productions including Oliver!, Cabaret and Fiddler on the Roof, and was the original Casting Director for Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the musical.A producer of landmark live events — from Long Way to the Top to Live Earth Sydney and Sound Relief — she later served as Contemporary Creative Director at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, creating sold-out tributes to David Bowie and George Michael.Four marriages, countless stages, and a career spanning rock royalty to Broadway blockbusters — Amanda Pelman’s story is one of resilience, instinct and spectacular adventure.The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au