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Peggy Mortimer

Australian musician (piano/violin/banjo/mandolin), dancer, singer (soprano), principal girl, composer, lyricist, television host (1927-2003). From an early age Peggy Mortimer trained in song and dance while also studying classical piano and violin. She appeared in her first Eisteddfod in 1933 (with Brooks’ “Babies”) and continued to win these competitions as a solo musician (piano and violin) throughout most of the decade. By age sixteen, Mortimer was working professionally in the variety industry as a multi-instrumentalist/singer, and on several occasions was cast as a pantomime principal girl. She undertook engagements in Brisbane every year between 1943 and 1947, and also appeared in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Tasmania. Regarded as Australia’s brightest young star she worked for the Tivoli circuit, Harry Wren, Bob Geraghty and John Dobbie, but was perhaps best known for her association with Will Mahoney (and Evie Hayes) at the Cremorne Theatre (Brisbane) and on tour around Australia.