Anne Charleston

Last updated

Anne Charleston
Born (1942-12-30) 30 December 1942 (age 81)
Melbourne, Australia
OccupationActress
Years active1955–present
Known for Neighbours (TV series) as Madge Bishop
Emmerdale (TV series) as Lily Butterfield
Notable work

Anne Charleston (born 30 December 1942) is an Australian actress, notable for her career locally and in the United Kingdom and Ireland in theatre and television. Charleston started her career in theatre in the mid 1950's, and has been a staple of the small screen since the early 1960s, starting with roles in telemovies, before making appearance's in the various Crawford Productions series starting from the latter 1960s and 1970s, before becoming known for her three different recurring roles in cult classic series Prisoner [1]

Contents

Charleston's best known regular roles, however, were in the soap opera Neighbours as matriarch Madge Bishop and in the British soap Emmerdale as Lily Butterfield.

Career

Early television roles

Anne Charleston first became widely recognisable in Australia starting from the late 1960s on television, taking various guest roles in the Crawford Productions police dramas including Homicide , Division 4 and Matlock Police . Other appearances included guest roles in other Crawford's adventure series Hunter (1967) and Ryan (1973), and in Network Ten-produced police drama The Long Arm (1971).

Recurring TV roles: Bellbird and Number 96

She had continuing roles in soap operas Bellbird and Class of '75 , and appeared in Number 96 as a deranged woman named Stella who kidnapped Alf (James Elliot) and Lucy Sutcliffe's (Elisabeth Kirkby) baby in late 1975. She also appeared in the feature film version of Bellbird, Country Town (1971), playing a different character from that which she had played in the series.

Prisoner (TV series)

In the late 1970s and the 1980s she became internationally renowned thanks to several small roles in soap opera Prisoner . She briefly played the brusque daughter of released prisoner "Mum" Brooks (played by Mary Ward) in 1979, and mother of Judith-Ann, Charleston returned for several appearances in the serial as a policewomen through the early 1980s before taking the larger recurring role of Deidre Kean, mother of prison toughie Reb Kean (Janet Andrewartha), in 1984.

The role was intended to be a long term character in Prisoner, however, in 1985, Grundy cast her in a leading regular role in new soap opera, Possession ; however, the series was cancelled by the network later that same year due to lower than desired ratings. [1]

Australian theatre

Charleston had also enjoyed a busy career acting in the Australian theatre. With St. Martin's Theatre she acted in Wrong Side of the Park, The Irregular Verb, To Love, Angels in Love, A Far Country, The Anniversary, Invitation to a March, Eden House, The Cavern, Have you Any Dirty Washing Mother Dear, Blithe Spirit and Children's Day. [2]

She also appeared in J C Williamson's Woman in a Dressing Gown starring Googie Withers, Juggler's Three for the Melbourne Theatre Company Workshop, and The Secretary Bird starring Patrick Macnee. Other theatre includes Busybody, Port Wine, Night of the Ding Dong, Burst of Summer, Murder in the Cathedral, The Rivals, The Tower, Everyman, Antigone, The Man of Destiny, Otherwise Engaged and The Shifting Heart. [2]

Neighbours

In 1986, Charleston was cast as Madge Bishop (Mitchell) in the Australian soap opera Neighbours . Madge was a new character added to the series when it switched to Network Ten. The series became popular in Australia and the United Kingdom in the years following. Through the series Charleston became internationally recognised, and won a Penguin Award in 1987 for Best Actress.

In 1992, Charleston left the series and emigrated to the Republic of Ireland. Four years later she accepted the offer to return to Neighbours , reprising the role from 1996. In her second stint in the series, Charleston observed that Madge had been transformed from being bold and fiery to a more meek and passive character, a change that led to her ultimate decision to leave the series in 2000. Her final episode was broadcast in Australia during April 2001. She returned to Neighbours in 2015 alongside co-star Ian Smith to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the serial. Charleston also appeared in a documentary celebrating the anniversary titled Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite , which aired in Australia and the UK in March 2015. [3] [4]

Following the news of Neighbours' cancellation, Charleston reprised her role of Madge, imagined by Susan Kennedy as to how she might look if still alive, in the show's final episode, which aired on 28 July 2022 (until its eventual reboot). [5]

After Neighbours

In 1989, Charleston took on the role of another 'Madge', Madge Allsop in an episode of The Dame Edna Experience on ITV in the UK, when Dame Edna Everage asked Doctor Christiaan Barnard to give her bridesmaid a face lift. Dame Edna did not like Madge's new face, so asked the surgeon to reverse the operation, restoring Emily Perry to the role.

In 2013, Charleston played a role in the Prisoner remake, Wentworth . The role saw her portraying the mother-in-law of prisoner Liz Birdsworth.

After leaving Neighbours for the first time, Charleston lived in Ireland for several years, and returned there after leaving the series again in 2001. With the high levels of popularity enjoyed by Neighbours in the UK, Charleston has now relaunched her career there. She has undertaken theatre and radio work in the UK and Ireland since leaving Neighbours in 2001, and is also a regular performer in pantomime. In 2001, she appeared on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank . [6] [7]

Charleston took the role of Dossa in comedy series Dossa and Joe , and then had the regular role of Betty Waddell in the relaunched series of Crossroads in 2003. In 2004 she was a contestant in the second series of the Living TV reality television show, I'm Famous and Frightened!

In 2005, she had cosmetic surgery performed on her neck, live on British television, on the Channel 5 programme, Cosmetic Surgery Live . In the same year, she also "regressed into a previous life", as a poor Irish farm girl, when she appeared in the programme Have I Been Here Before? .

In August 2012, Charleston was a contestant on BBC TV's Celebrity Masterchef .

Emmerdale

In late 2006, Charleston joined the cast of Emmerdale , originating the character of Lily Butterfield, the estranged sister of Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox) who arrives to attend her great niece Eve's wedding blessing. Unbeknown to Edna and Lily, Edna's son Peter has invited them both to try to get them to make amends. However, a dark family secret will ensure their reunion does not run smoothly.

Of her new role, Charleston said: "I am over the moon to be joining one of my favourite soaps. I am delighted to be playing such a fantastic character." [8] Series Producer Kathleen Beedles added: "We are thrilled to confirm that Anne will be playing the character of Lily. Viewers can expect to see sparks fly when Edna and Lily are reunited and we are looking forward to welcoming Anne on-set." [9] [10] Charleson's first taping day was on Monday 25 September 2006, and she first appeared on screen on Friday 3 November 2006. She appeared in only three episodes. The character returned in October 2007 for a four-month run, and returned again in 2008 on a regular contract. [11] Charleston quit in April 2009 and the character was subsequently written out of the serial and made her last appearance on 3 August 2009. [12]

Theatre

Charleston has appeared in theatre roles both locally and internationally in her native Australia; her theatre credits go back to the mid-1950s [13]

Anne starred in Aladdin at Belfast Grand Opera House in 1995–1996 with Rod Hull and Emu.

In January 2010, it was announced that Charleston would be joining the touring production of Calendar Girls as Jessie (Miss January). [14]

In July 2012, it was revealed that Charleston would appear alongside Mischa Barton in an Irish stage production of Steel Magnolias , playing Ouiser Boudreaux in the production. It was due to premiere at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin in September, and be followed by a nationwide tour. [15] [16] [ needs update ]

In 2012, Charleston toured the UK in a production of The Cemetery Club alongside Anita Harris, Shirley Anne Field and Peter Ellis.

The 2014–15 pantomime season saw Anne playing the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Redditch Palace Theatre.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleType
1959 Night of the Ding-Dong LouiseTV movie
1961 Burst of Summer Sally BlakeTV movie
1964EverymanBeautyTV movie
1965 Otherwise Engaged PamelaTV movie
1965The TowerTV movie
1966AntigoneIsmeneTV movie
1969 2000 Weeks Will's MotherFeature film
1971 Country Town Dorothy 'Dot' AtkinsFeature film
2022 Three Thousand Years of Longing FannyFeature film

Television

YearTitleRoleType
1962; 1964 Consider Your Verdict Lucinda MorellTV series, 2 episodes
1965–73 Homicide Sandra Martin / Elaine Mitchell / Leigh Gardiner / Anne Davies / Sue Tait / Alison Young / Judith Lambert / Irene Taylor / Alice Baker / Jan Whelan / Eva Kemp (as Anne Charlestone)TV series, 11 episodes
1966 Australian Playhouse YvetteTV series, 1 episode
1967 Love and War Guest roleTV series, 1 episode
1968 Hunter Patricia FrenchTV series, 2 episodes
1968 Contrabandits JudyTV series, 1 episode
1970–74 Division 4 Lynn Black / Jill Ferris / Estelle Phillips / Dr. Berman / Woman / GraceTV series, 6 episodes
1970 The Long Arm Sybil DuckworthTV series, 1 episode
1971 Bellbird Wendy RobinsonTV series, 528 episodes
1972 A Time for Love RosemaryTV series, 1 episode
1972; 1973 Matlock Police Carol Anderson / Sal StevensTV series, 2 episodes
1974 Ryan Samantha MossTV series, 1 episode
1975 Class of '74 Faith AdamsTV series, 98 episodes
1975The Company MenGuest roleTV miniseries, 2 episodes
1975Two Way MirrorGloria LawrenceTV pilot, 1 episode
1975 Number 96 "Mad" StellaTV series
1976 The Sullivans Guest roleTV series
1978 Case for the Defence Natalie O'BrianTV series, 1 episode
1978-81 Cop Shop Alison Chambers / Ann Gregory / Jan Morris / AlisonTV series, 9 episodes
1979, 1984 Prisoner Recurring role: Lorraine Watkins / Guest roles: Policewoman / Deidre KeanTV series, 22 episodes
1979 Twenty Good Years Melinda FieldingTV series, 20 episodes
1979 Skyways Wendy StewartTV series, 2 episodes
1980 Timelapse DellTV series
1983 A Descant for Gossips MargaretTV movie
1985 Possession Elizabeth MacarthurTV series, 31 episodes
1985 I Live with Me Dad Mrs. HarknessTV movie
1986–92;1996–2001; 2015; 2022 Neighbours Madge Ramsay / Madge Mitchell / Madge BishopTV series, 1372 episodes
1988 The Royal Variety Performance HerselfTV special, UK
1988The Satellite ShowHerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
1988; 1989 Wogan GuestTV series, UK, 3 episodes
1989BazaarHerselfTV series UK, 2 episodes
1989; 2001 Blankety Blank ContestantTV series UK, 3 episodes
1989A Tribute to Neighbours: Celebrating 1000 EpisodesHerself / Madge BishopTV special
1989 The Dame Edna Experience MadgeTV series UK, 1 episode
1990In Melbourne TodayGuest - HerselfTV series, 1 episode
1989-1991 Going Live! GuestTV series UK, 3 episodes
1989 The Paul Daniels Magic Show GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
1990Happy Birthday, Coronation StreetHerselfTV special, UK
1990 Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game GuestTV series, 1 episode
1990Jameson TonightGuestTV series UK, 1 episode
1991 That's Showbusiness PanelistTV series UK, 1 episode
1991-93 You Bet! GuestTV series UK, 3 episodes
1992 Noel's House Party GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
1995; 1997; 1999; 2000 Good Morning Australia GuestTV series, 4 episodes
1995Neighbours: A 10th Anniversary CelebrationHerself / Madge BishopTV special
1995 A Bit of Fry & Laurie Guest roleTV series, UK
1997 Light Lunch GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2000Neighbours RevealedHerself / Madge BishopTV series UK, 3 episodes
2001A Question of TVGuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2001An Audience with Kylie MinogueAudience memberTV special, UK
2001; 2003Liquid NewsHerselfTV series UK, 2 episodes
2002KellyGuestTV series UK/Ireland, 1 episode
2002 Dossa and Joe Dossa BaileyTV miniseries, 6 episodes
2003 Crossroads Betty WaddellTV series UK
2003 Today with Des and Mel GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2003 The Weakest Link ContestantTV series UK, 1 episode
2003; 2018 Loose Women GuestTV series UK, 3 episodes
2004 I'm Famous and Frightened HerselfTV series UK
2004It Shouldn't Happen on a TV SoapHerselfTV special, UK
2004The Good Soap GuideHerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
2004Great Soap TV MomentsHerselfTV special, UK
2005Cosmetic Surgery LiveHerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
2005 Have I Been Here Before? HerselfTV series UK, 2 episodes
2005 The Big Call HerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
2005 The Heaven and Earth Show HerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
20052005 TV MomentsHerselfTV special, UK
2006; 2011 This Morning GuestTV series UK, 2 episodes
2006–09 Emmerdale Farm Lily ButterfieldTV series UK, 178 episodes
2006 The Podge and Rodge Show GuestTV series Ireland, 1 episode
2006An Audience with Coronation StreetHerselfTV special, UK
2007 Seoige and O'Shea HerselfTV series Ireland, 1 episode
2007 Never Mind the Buzzcocks HerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
2007 Soapstar Superchef HerselfTV series UK, 2 episodes
2007 The Antony Cotton Show GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2007CountdownSpecial GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
200850 Greatest TV EndingsHerselfTV special, UK
200850 Ways to Leave Your TV LoverHerselfTV special, UK
2008Top 50 Showbiz ComebacksHerselfTV special, UK
2009 The British Soap Awards 2009 Audience memberTV special, UK
201150 Greatest Wedding ShockersHerselfTV special, UK
2011 Holby City Sandy EatonTV series UK, 1 episode
2011 Justin's House Auntie JustinaTV series UK, 1 episode
2011 This Morning GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2012Big Brother's Bit on the SideGuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2012Celebrity MasterchefContestantTV series UK, 1 episode
2012The Big Fat Quiz of the 80sHerself (uncredited)TV special, UK
2012 Pointless Celebrities ContestantTV series UK, 1 episode
2013 Wentworth Celeste DonaldsonTV series, 1 episode
2013 Doctors Mrs. AnsteeTV series UK, 1 episode
2015 Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite HerselfTV special
2015Bafta's 60 Seconds With...GuestTV series UK, 1 episode
2016 The Morning Show GuestTV series, 1 episode
2018 Top of the Box Herself / Madge BishopTV miniseries UK, 1 episode
2018 Loose Women HerselfTV series UK, 1 episode
2019Soaps' Most Controversial StorylinesHerself / Madge BishopTV special, UK
2019-20 Bloom Loris WebbTV series, 8 episodes
2021The NewsreaderAvisTV series, 1 episode
2022 Studio 10 Herself (with Ian Smith)TV series, 1 episode
2022Neighbours: End of the RoadHerselfTV special
2022Wayward StrandIda Vaughan (voice)Video Game
2023 Crazy Fun Park Baba VangaTV series, 4 episodes

Theatre

YearTitleRoleType
1995-96 Aladdin Belfast Grand Opera House
2010 Calendar Girls Jessie (Miss January)Tour
2012 Steel Magnolias Ouiser Boudreaux Gaiety Theatre, Dublin & Irish national tour
2012The Cemetery ClubUK tour
2014–15 Cinderella Fairy Godmother Redditch Palace Theatre

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References

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