The failure of his 1977 musical Ned Kelly was a low point in Reg Livermore’s stellar career. But, as he tells Jo Litson, he never lost faith in the show and is thrilled that Stuart Maunder is directing a newly honed version for Victorian Opera.

Reg Livermore. Photo supplied

When Stuart Maunder was seven, he was taken to see the 1964/65 Tivoli production of The Wizard of Oz and was transfixed by Reg Livermore’s performance as the Wicked Witch of the West. 

He has been “obsessed” with Livermore ever since. So, who better to direct a revival of Ned Kelly, the long-lost 1977 musical about the Australian bushranger featuring book and lyrics by Livermore and music by Patrick Flynn.

Maunder actually saw Ned...