Thompson's comeback plan

Veteran Australian actor Peter Thompson has a remarkable profile of performance on TV, stage and in cinema both in Britain and in Australia during the 50s and 60s. "Steptoe & Son", "Dr Who", "Softly Softly" on BBC television; "Prisoners", "The Sullivans", "Neighbours" and "Funky Squad" on Australian telly; "Treasure Island" and "Aladdin" on stage; and even the incredible "Children of the Damned" and "Alvin Rides Again" on silver screen are just some of the titles.

Yet Peter is planning not to stay in the stage of being a "veteran" any more. Aged 70, he is somehow attempting to come back to the Australian stage and screen - big or small, in an era where TV soapies are focusing too much on young performers.

In this interview, Peter Thompson told Vincent O'Donnell his way of coming to theatre when there was almost no professional training in Australia, his 12-year experience of working in Britain during the 50s and 60s. They also discussed how Peter's age affected his opportunities of getting roles in Australian productions of the 90s.

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