Max Oldaker

Australian singer & actor (b. Devonport, Tas. 17 Dec., 1907 - Launceston 1 Feb., 1972) Went to the local high school but showed no interest in his studies and left to work in a record shop. He had more success in music competitions which confirmed his ability as a pianist & singer. The Westminster Glee Singers visited Devonport in 1930 and engaged him as a tenor for their tour of Australia and the Far East, but when the company experienced financial difficulties he was let go. Undeterred, Oldaker went to England in search of experience, and obtained work which ranged from opera to vaudeville (and included broadcasting). He made this theatrical debut on 3 Aug., 1931 in "The Chocolate Soldier". Joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company the following year as an understudy, and entered the Royal Academy of Music in October 1934 on a scholarship. In 1937 Noel Coward selected him for the leading juvenile singing role in "Operette". With the outbreak of war, Oldaker decided to accept an offer from JCW and returned to Australia in October 1939. In Melbourne he worked in various musical comedy roles and developed an interest in composing. Returned to England in 1948-1950, but found the post-war theatrical scene very different to what he had seen in the 1930s. Back in. Australia he toured with the John Alden Company 1951-1952, and also toured with "White Horse Inn" (1953). In 1957 he was working in London as understudy to Rex Harrison in "My Fair Lady" but was disappointed not to be offered the lead role in The Australian production. Returned to Tasmania in 1959 and worked in radio & television broadcasting, vocal teaching, acting, producing, and music & theatre reviewing for the Launceston Examiner. Occasionally performed in stage roles & revues on the mainland.