the Arts Centre presents
Leading Ladies
A Creative Development Initiative

Interview | Biography

Marina Prior


Simon Plant and Marina Prior with Margaret Marshall (background)
the Arts Centre, Melbourne, March 2003

Marina Prior was born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in 1963. Her family returned to Australia when she was a young child and she grew up in Melbourne. She began singing lessons at the age of 12 and also learnt piano, flute and guitar.

In 1983, while studying for a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne, Marina auditioned for the Victoria State Opera production of The Pirates of Penzance. Despite having no professional experience, she was cast as Mabel and this lead role launched her career in musical theatre.

The following year Marina played Guinevere in the Australian production of Camelot with English star Richard Harris. She then performed the dual roles of Jellylorum and Griddlebone in the Australian premiere production of Cats (1985). Marina worked again with the Victoria State Opera, appearing as Josephine in HMS Pinafore (1987) opposite Paul Eddington, and with the Lyric Opera of Queensland performing the role of Kathy in The Student Prince (1987).

She then won the part of Cosette in the Australian premiere production of Les Misérables in Sydney, and on occasion appeared in the role of Fantine. Marina took time out from this musical in 1989 to perform as Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, before returning for the Melbourne season of Les Misérables.

Beginning in 1990, Marina starred as Christine Daae in the Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera. She played this role for three years, performing opposite Anthony Warlow and later Rob Guest. Roles in many major musical productions followed, including Maria in West Side Story (1994 and 1995), Lily in The Secret Garden (1995), Magnolia in Show Boat (1998) and the title role in The Merry Widow (1999).

In recent years, Marina has moved towards more comedic and character roles such as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (2000) and the title role in Annie Get Your Gun (2004) for The Production Company; Mary O’Hara in the play Harp on the Willow (2003) for The Ensemble Theatre, Sydney; and Jane Smart in The Witches of Eastwick (2002) and Belinda Blair in the comedy Noises Off (2003).

During 1994 Marina undertook an Australasian concert tour with tenor José Carreras. She has featured in many other concert engagements including performances with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She is also a regular performer at Melbourne’s Carols By Candlelight and on television variety shows. In 1993 Marina also appeared as a guest lead in the ABC television series GP.

Marina has recorded three successful solo albums: Leading Lady (1991) for which she was accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber (1992), which reached gold record status and received an ARIA nomination; and Somewhere – The Songs of Sondheim and Bernstein (1994).

Marina has received numerous awards for her career in musical theatre. These include three Mo Awards (1989, 1990 and 1994), two Green Room Awards (1989 and 1990) and a 1993 Advance Australia Award for her contribution to the performing arts.