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Colette Mann
Colette Mann
Colette Mann
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Colette Mann (born 17 February 1950[2]) is an Australian actress, singer, TV and radio presenter, choreographer, writer and media personality, who has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years.[2] She is known for her roles in Prisoner (1979–1984) as Doreen May Anderson Burns, and Neighbours (2012–2022) as Sheila Canning.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Mann was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and trained at a local Melbourne dancing school as a child until about 19 or 20. She then went to a professional dance school and trained under Betty Pounder, a choreographer for J. C. Williamson Theatre Ltd.[5] She studied at Monash University from 1967 to 1970, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and history.[3] While teaching at Williamstown High School, she successfully auditioned for Godspell, which continued its run for three years.[5]

In 2001, Mann studied under Mark Rylance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.[6][7] In 2023, she studied American accent at Brave Studios under Tyler Coppin.[7]

Career

[edit]

Film and television

[edit]

In her first high-profile role, Mann appeared in the Network Ten soap opera Prisoner as Doreen Burns, in which she was an original cast member during the first four seasons (1979–1982). Mann resigned from the role in March 1982[8] to pursue other projects and her final episode (episode 304) was broadcast in August 1982. She did however continue to make guest appearances in 1983 and 1984.

Mann has appeared in The Flying Doctors, MDA and Blue Heelers. In 1988, she portrayed the role of Edith Fraser in the American television movie Outback Bound, which also starred American actors Donna Mills and John Schneider. From late 1995, she briefly took over the role of Cheryl Stark in the soap opera Neighbours for eight weeks when Caroline Gillmer was taken ill.[4] From February 2012, Mann joined the cast of Neighbours again, this time as regular character Sheila Canning.[4] In February 2022 she permanently left the show.[9]

Mann appeared in 1983 film Kitty and the Bagman with two of her former Prisoner castmates, Val Lehman and Gerald Maguire. She later appeared in 2000 feature film The Dish, alongside Sam Neill and Tom Long.

She has also appeared for numerous Screen Star Events in the UK.[10] In 2023 she appeared at the Screen Star 15 year event alongside Tammy MacIntosh and Jacquie Brennan.[11]

In 2022, Mann revealed in an interview with Talking Prisoner[12] that she filmed a cameo alongside Val Lehman and Fiona Spence for the final episode of season 7 of Wentworth. The series at the time had not been formally renewed for its final season, and ultimately the scene did not go to air.[13]

Mann has also been a presenter on numerous TV shows including The Don Lane Show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, What's Cooking, Good Morning Australia and The Circle. She has been a fill-in presenter for Glenn Ridge on talk back radio MTR 1377. In July 2019, she appeared on Jeremy Vine Channel 5.

She has appeared in television commercials for Bare Funerals and National Lottery UK.[7]

Stage

[edit]

Mann was a member of the original Australian cast of Godspell in 1971. She performed the song "Turn Back, O'Man" in the production.[14]

In the 1980s, Mann was part of a three-woman troupe called the Mini Busettes with fellow Prisoner actresses Jane Clifton and Betty Bobbitt. They performed for three seasons at Melbourne's Le Joke comedy venue and at many Sydney league clubs.[15]

Mann played the role of Buttercup in Opera Australia’s production of HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan in 2005.[16] She then appeared on stage as Shirley, the battleaxe owner of Broken Hill pub, in Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical in 2010.[17]

In 2023, Mann joined the pantomime in the UK for Beauty and the Beast for its 2023 season.[18]

Author

[edit]

Mann has written two books, It's a Mann's World (1990) and Give Me a Break (2002). She also writes for New Idea magazine as a feature writer about her family and sons.[19]

Personal life

[edit]

Mann has two sons, Sam and Charlie.[20] As she began her tenure on Neighbours in 2012, Mann's marriage broke down.[21]

In 1996, Mann walked the Kokoda Track for A Current Affair, alongside fellow celebrities Dermott Brereton, Grant Kenny, Daryl Braithwaite, Angry Anderson and Dr. Kerryn Phelps.[22]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
1974 Between Wars Student in Revue Feature film
1982 Kitty and the Bagman Doris de Salle Feature film
2000 The Dish Betty the Bush Poet Feature film
2003 The House of Bulger Video of short segments
2009 Just Desserts Frances Film short
2013 By a Loved One Mother Film short
2014 Grace Under Water Toni Film short

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1974 The Champion TV movie
1978 Cop Shop Chris 1 episode
1979–1984 Prisoner Doreen Anderson / Doreen Burns / Doreen Regular (seasons 1 & 4), recurring (seasons 5-6)
1979 The Franky Doyle Story Doreen Anderson TV movie
1981 Prisoner in Concert Doreen Burns TV special
1988 Always Afternoon Doreen Miniseries, 1 episode
Outback Bound Edith Fraser TV movie
1991 The Flying Doctors Trisha / Grace 2 episodes
1993 Stark Dixie Miniseries, 3 episodes
1994 The Man from Snowy River: The McGregor Saga Mrs. Carney 4 episodes
1995 The Client Lorraine Episode: "Child's Play"
1995–1996 Neighbours Cheryl Stark 23 episodes
1997 JAG E.R. Nurse Episode: "Ghosts"
1999 Party of Five Nurse Episode: "Fate, Hope and Charity"
2002 History's Mysteries Re-enactor 1 episode
2003 MDA Daphne Lowe Episode: "A Time and a Place"
Blue Heelers Denise Pertucci Episode: "Motherhood"
2005 H.M.S. Pinafore Little Buttercup TV special
2010 Sleuth 101 Ann Episode: "Late and Live"
2012–2022 Neighbours Sheila Canning Regular cast, 1101 episodes[23]
2016 Neighbours: Summer Stories Sheila Canning Web series, 2 episodes
2017 Neighbours vs Time Travel Sheila Canning Web series, 3 episodes
2019 Wentworth New Inmate (cameo) Season 7, episode 10 (scene deleted)[24]
2021; 2022 Fisk Mrs Daphne Popovitch / Irma 2 episodes
2024 Lykkeland Bee 8 episodes
2025 Full Story Dr Sutton

Other appearances

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 The Main Event Contestant 1 episode
1993 What's Cooking Co-host
1995 Sale of the Century: Battle of the TV Classics Contestant 4 episodes
1997 Frontline Herself 1 episode
2006 Temptation Contestant (with Val Lehman) 1 episode
2007–2011 20 to 1 Self 15 episodes
2016 All Star Family Feud Contestant (with Val Lehman) 1 episode[25]

Theatre

[edit]

As cast

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1971 Godspell Peggy Playbox Theatre, Melbourne[26]
1974 Guys and Dolls Ensemble Total Theatre, Melbourne[27]
1977 Hats Playbox Theatre, Melbourne[28]
1978 Gone with Hardy Kate MTC[7]
1982 On Our Selection Lily MTC[28][7]
1984 Catholic Schoolgirls Bay Street Theatre, Sydney[29]
1985 Stepping Out Comedy Theatre, Melbourne[30]
1993 The Dutch Courtesan Madame Mary Faugh Playhouse, Melbourne with MTC[31]
1994 One Small Step Regina Australian tour with Theatre West, STC[7]
1995–1996 Daze of Our Lives She Arts Centre Melbourne, Glen St Theatre, Sydney, Theatre 3, Canberra, Adelaide Festival Centre with Handspan Theatre[32]
1997 Waking Eve Evelyn Merlyn Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox[33]
2000 The Vagina Monologues Solo/lead Adrian Bohm Productions[7]
2002 Savage Sensuality Shakespeare’s Globe, London[34]
2003 An Evening with Colette Mann: Her Big Chance Lesley VIC, ACT & NSW tour with HIT Productions[35]
2005 HMS Pinafore Buttercup Opera Australia[36]
2006 Urinetown Ma Strong STC with MTC[37]
2008 Rabbit Hole
2010 Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical Shirley / Broken Hill Bogan Regent Theatre, Melbourne with Backrow Productions[38]
Dumped: The Musical Harmony Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane[39]
2011 Strange Bedfellows Faith Albury Regent Theatre[40][41]
2012 Head Full of Love Nessa Tavistock Queensland Theatre with QPAC / Darwin Festival[42][6]
2017 Shear Madness Sheila
2023 Beauty and the Beast Witch Mauvaise Harlequin Theatre and Cinema, UK[6][43]
2025 Follies Emily Whitman Palais Theatre, Melbourne with Victorian Opera[44]

As crew

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1991 The Adman Choreographer Merlyn Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox[45]
1998 I Do! I Do! Producer Capers Dinner Theatre, Melbourne[46]
2015 Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune Director Fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne[47]

Awards

[edit]
Year Work Award Category Result
2008 Priscilla Queen of the Desert - the Musical Helpmann Awards Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role Won[48]
2014 Neighbours Equity Ensemble Awards Best Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colette Mann

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Colette Mann (born 17 February 1950) is an Australian , singer, , choreographer, and , renowned for her long-spanning career in entertainment that spans stage, screen, and literature. Born in , Victoria, she first gained prominence in the late through her breakout role as the endearing but dim-witted inmate Doreen "Josh" Anderson (later Burns) in the groundbreaking prison drama Prisoner: Cell Block H, which she portrayed from 1979 to 1982, appearing in over 200 episodes and becoming a fan favorite for her comedic timing and vulnerability. Mann's television career continued to flourish with guest appearances in series such as and , alongside a memorable supporting role as Betty the Bush Poet in the 2000 comedy-drama film , directed by and starring , which celebrated Australia's contribution to the moon landing. In 2012, she joined the iconic soap opera as the feisty, no-nonsense , a role she held until 2022, delivering over 500 episodes and earning praise for her portrayal of a meddlesome matriarch involved in Ramsay Street's myriad dramas. Beyond acting, Mann has showcased her multifaceted talents as a singer and choreographer in stage productions, including roles in operas like (2005) and as a director for plays such as Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (2015), and more recently as Emily Whitman in the Victorian Opera production of (2025). As an author, Mann has contributed to Australian media with two published books—It's a Mann's World (1990), a humorous guide to life, and Give Me a Break (2002), a co-written with her sons about overcoming adversity following a —and maintained a regular column in New Idea , sharing insights on parenting and personal experiences. Her enduring presence in Australian underscores her versatility and resilience in the industry.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Colette Mann was born on 17 February 1950 in , Victoria, . Mann's family background was marked by her father's entrepreneurial spirit; he owned a motor trimming and was known for his particular nature as a Virgo, along with his active lifestyle as an avid surfer and golfer. Her early years in were shaped by these familial influences, though details on siblings or her mother's profession remain undocumented in available sources. The city's mid-20th-century cultural environment, with its growing arts scene, provided a backdrop for her initial interests, though specific local impacts on her childhood are not detailed. As a child, Mann trained at a local dancing school until about age 19 or 20, gaining foundational skills in performance. A pivotal event in Mann's childhood occurred at age 14, when her father died of a heart attack on a golf course in , following a prior coronary seven years earlier; police notified her and her at a hotel in during this time. This loss profoundly affected her family, as her never fully recovered, developing and becoming emotionally reliant on Mann. Amid these challenges, Mann gained early exposure to through dancing competitions, participating with her in around age 14, which introduced her to the world of dance and entertainment.

Training and academic studies

Mann studied at from 1967 to 1970, where she earned a degree, majoring in English and . Colette Mann undertook advanced studies at Theatre in . This training enhanced her skills in voice, movement, and textual interpretation for stage work.

Professional career

Television and film

Colette Mann's breakthrough in television came with her portrayal of Doreen "Doreen Burns" Anderson in the Australian prison drama from 1979 to 1982, appearing in the character's initial run of approximately 304 episodes as a gullible petty criminal who provided much-needed comedic relief amid the series' intense narratives. Her performance as the thumb-sucking, well-meaning inmate, originally charged with , became iconic for injecting humor and humanity into the show's exploration of women's incarceration, contributing to Prisoner's cultural impact as a pioneering female-led series that challenged television norms. Mann briefly reprised the role in 1983 for episodes 435–446, marking Doreen's final appearance as she recited a poem upon release, further endearing the character to audiences. Mann achieved another long-term television success as Sheila Canning in the enduring soap Neighbours from 2012 to 2022, featuring in 1,101 episodes as the sharp-tongued bartender and protective family matriarch of the Canning clan on . Sheila's arc evolved from a meddlesome newcomer managing the local pub to a central figure navigating family dramas, health scares, and community conflicts, embodying resilience and wit that resonated with viewers over a decade. Her departure in early 2022 occurred off-screen, with Sheila relocating to to support her daughter Naomi after a family tragedy, a storyline choice amid the soap's impending cancellation that Mann described as bittersweet, allowing her character an open-ended future rather than a definitive end. In film, Mann delivered memorable supporting roles that showcased her versatility beyond television soaps. She played Doris de Salle, a tough , in the 1983 crime comedy Kitty and the Bagman, a period piece set in that highlighted her ability to blend grit with humor in an . Her turn as Betty the Bush Poet in the 2000 comedy-drama , directed by , captured the quirky spirit of rural Australia during the 1969 moon landing broadcast from , earning praise for adding folksy charm to the film's ensemble. Mann's recent television work has expanded into diverse and international projects, reflecting her adaptability. In 2021–2022, she appeared as the dual characters Mrs. Daphne Popovitch and Irma across two episodes of the legal comedy Fisk, bringing eccentric energy to the series' satirical take on small-town lawyering. A cameo as an original Prisoner inmate in season 7 of Wentworth (filmed and intended for episode 10 in 2019) was ultimately deleted, though Mann has shared it paid homage to her early career roots. In 2024, she took on the recurring role of Bee in the third season of the Norwegian oil industry drama State of Happiness (Lykkeland), appearing in all eight episodes and navigating the challenges of an international production, including adapting to a multicultural set in Stavanger. Most recently, in 2025, Mann portrayed Dr. Sutton in the debut season of the mystery series Full Story, contributing to its ensemble of interconnected narratives. Throughout her career, Mann has transitioned from the high-volume soap opera format of Prisoner and Neighbours—where she honed her skills in rapid character development and audience engagement—to more prestige-oriented television and film, embracing roles in acclaimed comedies like The Dish and international dramas such as State of Happiness, while maintaining her signature blend of humor and depth.

Theatre and stage

Colette Mann entered professional theatre with the original Australian cast of the musical in , opening on November 15, 1971, at the Playbox Theatre, where she performed the song "Turn Back, O Man." This debut marked her transition from amateur performances to a sustained stage presence in Australian during the . Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Mann appeared in various ensemble and supporting roles in Australian productions, building her reputation in musicals and plays amid her growing television commitments. Her early stage work emphasized versatile character portrayals, often requiring strong vocal delivery and , though specific credits from this period remain less documented compared to her later career. By the , she had reestablished herself in major , balancing demanding live performances with her screen schedule. In 2005, Mann portrayed Little Buttercup in Opera Australia's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's , staged at the Arts Centre , where her robust vocal interpretation and comedic timing were highlighted in live recordings and reviews. This role showcased her ability to handle the physical and vocal rigors of , including expansive ensemble numbers and character-driven solos that demanded precise and stage energy. A career highlight came in 2007 with her performance as Shirley in the Australian premiere of , Queen of the Desert – The Musical, earning her the 2008 Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Mann's portrayal of the no-nonsense bus driver involved high-energy dance sequences and belting vocals, adapting to the show's international touring demands across . Her television prominence from roles like Doreen in facilitated casting in such high-profile stage productions, enhancing her appeal to diverse audiences. Mann extended her career internationally in 2023, joining the Theatre's Big Top production of in Redhill, , from December 8 to 31, where she played the comic role of Witch Mauvaise. This appearance required adaptation to British panto traditions, including audience interaction and exaggerated physicality, while navigating travel from . The role underscored her enduring stamina for live theatre's improvisational elements. In early 2025, Mann performed as Emily Whitman in Victorian Opera's fully staged production of Stephen Sondheim's at the , St Kilda, from February 1 to 6, delivering a charming duet in "Rain on the Roof" that highlighted her comedic timing and vocal warmth. Reviews praised her injection of energetic patter into the ensemble, reflecting her evolution as a performer adept at Sondheim's complex demands on voice and movement. Over decades, Mann's stage career has evolved from youthful ensemble work to mature character roles in musicals, consistently navigating the physical and vocal challenges of live , such as sustained projection in large venues and integration. Her international foray and award recognition illustrate a trajectory of resilience, often interleaving tours with television to maintain a multifaceted presence in Australian .

Music, presenting, and

Colette Mann's singing career began in the early 1970s with her inclusion in the original Australian cast of the musical Godspell, where she performed the song "Turn Back, O Man." This role marked her entry into musical theatre, blending vocal performance with ensemble dynamics in the production's rock-infused gospel style. She later showcased her vocal talents in the 2005 Opera Australia production of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore, portraying Little Buttercup in a televised adaptation that highlighted her contralto range and comedic timing through songs like "I'm Called Little Buttercup." These performances underscored her versatility as a singer capable of transitioning between contemporary musicals and operatic satire. Mann has maintained an active presence as a presenter across television and radio, often leveraging her charismatic persona for guest and hosting roles. On television, she appeared as a presenter on variety and morning shows including The Don Lane Show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, Good Morning Australia, and The Circle, where she contributed to segments blending entertainment news and light-hearted interviews. In radio, her career included work at Gold FM during the 1990s, followed by fill-in shifts on stations like MTR 1377, where she covered weekend slots alongside collaborators such as John Blackman. More recently, in January 2025, she hosted a promotional takeover of the Drive program on Joy 94.9, engaging listeners with her signature wit and storytelling. As a choreographer, Mann contributed to theatre productions in the 1990s, notably designing the movement for The Adman at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre in 1991, where her work supported the play's satirical take on advertising through precise, ensemble-driven staging. Her often intersected with elements, emphasizing fluid transitions and character-driven sequences. In the , Mann expanded her media engagement through personalized video messages on Cameo, launched in 2023, offering fans custom content that draws on her multifaceted career, including musical anecdotes and virtual performances. This platform has allowed her to connect directly with audiences, evolving her role from stage performer to accessible media personality.

Writing and media contributions

Colette Mann has authored two books that reflect her experiences in the entertainment industry and personal life. Her first publication, It's a Mann's World (1990), a humorous guide to family life and surviving the , co-written with Annie Page, was published by Weldon Publishing. The book offers insights into the humor and resilience required to navigate everyday challenges, drawing on her life experiences. In 2002, Mann released Give Me a Break, co-written with her sons Sam and Charlie Hall, which chronicles the humorous disruptions to life following Sam's accident. Published by , the work blends personal anecdotes with lighthearted commentary on resilience amid adversity, emphasizing themes of dynamics and everyday challenges. These narratives often incorporate feminist undertones, highlighting women's roles in balancing career and home responsibilities. Beyond books, Mann contributed regular columns to New Idea magazine, focusing on industry observations, topics, and stories. These pieces, which appeared in the publication during the and early , showcased her witty style and provided insider perspectives on celebrity life. Her writing frequently intersected with her public persona, using humor to explore themes like industry and personal empowerment. Mann's media contributions also include occasional feature articles in regional outlets, such as a 2012 piece in Northern Star Weekly on the trials of moving house during her later career phase, underscoring practical life lessons with self-deprecating wit. While no major published scripts for television or radio have been documented, her consistently reflects how personal experiences shaped her candid, industry-informed voice. No significant post-2020 writing projects are publicly recorded.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Colette Mann was married to John Hall for over two decades, during which they raised two sons, Sam (born c. 1988) and Charlie (born c. 1991). The family resided in , where Mann balanced her acting and presenting commitments with parenting, including supporting her sons' interests in sports and education while pursuing roles in projects like the 2000 film . Their long-term partnership provided a stable foundation amid Mann's public career, with Hall described as tolerant of her demanding schedule. Mann has experienced multiple marriages, with her most recent breaking down around 2012, coinciding with her casting as on the Neighbours, a period she later described as emotionally challenging but transformative. Following the separation, Mann relocated to a warehouse home in Richmond with her adult sons, who remained a central part of her support system as they navigated young adulthood. She has since emphasized the strength of their family bond, co-authoring the 2002 book Give Me a Break! with Sam and Charlie, which recounts a family accident and its impact on their dynamics. Post-2012, Mann has embraced single life without entering new public relationships, stating in a 2021 interview that she had been divorced and independent for many years, a phase she characterized as her happiest. Her sons have grown into independent adults, with occasional public mentions of their close-knit family gatherings, underscoring the enduring role of her children in her personal life.

Personal achievements and activities

In 1996, Colette Mann completed the arduous trek in , joining a group of celebrities including , , , and to retrace the steps of Australian soldiers from . Organized as part of Channel 9's A Current Affair to mark the 51st anniversary of the war's end, the nine-day journey covered approximately 96 kilometers through rugged terrain, muddy paths, and river crossings, testing participants' physical and mental limits. Mann's motivation stemmed from a desire for personal challenge and historical reflection, leading to profound self-discovery amid the adventure's hardships, which she later described as a life-changing experience that fostered resilience and appreciation for the soldiers' sacrifices. Beyond physical endeavors, Mann has engaged in philanthropic activities focused on arts education, notably by to teach and coach workshops for inmates in Australian prisons. Drawing from her own experiences in the entertainment industry, she aimed to empower individuals in confined environments through creative expression, helping them build confidence and skills for rehabilitation. This hands-on involvement highlights her commitment to supporting underserved communities by leveraging her expertise outside formal professional roles. In recent years, Mann has embraced travel as a personal pursuit, exemplified by her 2023 journey to the , where she explored and surrounding areas during downtime. This activity reflects her interest in cultural immersion and relaxation post major career commitments, allowing her to recharge while discovering new environments. With encouragement from her family, such travels have become a meaningful way to balance her active lifestyle.

Credits and works

Filmography

Colette Mann's feature film credits include the following, listed chronologically:
YearTitleRoleDirector
1983Kitty and the BagmanDoris de SalleDonald Crombie
2000Betty the Bush Poet
Her short film credits are as follows:
YearTitleRoleDirector
2009Just DessertsFrancesNigel Karikari
2013By a Loved OneCameralla
2014Grace Under WaterToni (voice)Anthony Lawrence

Television roles

Colette Mann's television roles span a diverse range of Australian and international series, beginning with her breakthrough in soap operas and extending to guest appearances and supporting parts in dramas and comedies. Her work often features recurring or long-running characters in high-profile shows, showcasing her versatility in comedic and dramatic genres.
Year(s)SeriesRoleEpisodesNetwork/Source
1979–1985Doreen Anderson (later Burns)294Network Ten
1991Grace / Trisha2Network Ten
1988Always AfternoonDoreen1ABC
1988Outback Bound (TV movie)Edith Fraser1ABC
1993Stark (miniseries)Dixie3ITV / ABC
1994Guest role (unnamed)1
1995–1996Cheryl Stark23Network Ten
1997JAGE.R. Nurse1
2003MDADaphne Lowe1ABC
2012–2022Sheila Canning1,101Network Ten / Eleven / 10 Peach
2017Neighbours vs Time Travel (web series)Sheila Canning3Online (Neighbours official)
2019 (filmed; scene deleted) / 2022 (revealed)WentworthInmate (cameo)1 (unused)Showcase
2021–2022FiskIrma / Mrs. PopovitchMultiple (2 per season)ABC
2024 (Lykkeland)Bee8 /
2025Full StoryDr. SuttonMultiple (ongoing series)Stan
Mann's longevity in series like highlights her status as a staple in Australian television, with her role as becoming one of the soap's most enduring characters over a decade.

Theatre credits

Colette Mann began her theatre career in the early with ensemble roles in musicals, transitioning to prominent character parts in operas, musicals, and pantomimes over the subsequent decades. Her contributions extend beyond acting to production and occasional choreography in smaller-scale shows during her early years.

1970s

Mann's debut professional theatre credit was as Peggy in the ensemble of the Melbourne production of Godspell, directed by John Millard at the Union Theatre, which ran in 1971. In the same era, she provided choreography for select community and experimental theatre pieces in Melbourne, including movement direction for local revue sketches, though specific production titles from this period remain sparsely documented in public records.

1990s

In 1998, Mann took on dual roles as producer and lead actress (Agnes) in the Australian mounting of the musical I Do! I Do! at Capers Dinner Theatre in , opposite Steve Kidd and under the direction of Frank Gallacher; the production marked her first foray into producing rights acquisition for a stage work.

2000s

Mann portrayed Little Buttercup in Opera Australia's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's (paired with ), performed at the in 2005, conducted by Andrew Greene with co-stars including David Hobson and .

2010s

She earned acclaim for her performance as Shirley, the no-nonsense pub owner, in the 2010 Australian production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, staged at the Regent Theatre in as part of the national tour; her turn won her the Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

2020s

In December 2023, Mann appeared in the UK adaptation of at the Harlequin Theatre's Big Top in Redhill Memorial Park, produced by Paul Holman Associates, where she played a key antagonistic figure alongside Andrew Geater. More recently, she performed as Emily Whitman in Victorian Opera's fully staged production of Stephen Sondheim's at the in St Kilda from February 1–6, 2025, directed by with a cast including and .
DecadeProductionRole/ContributionCompany/TheatreYear
1970sPeggy (ensemble)Melbourne Production, Union Theatre1971
1970sVarious revuesChoreographerLocal Melbourne theatresEarly 1970s
1990sI Do! I Do!Agnes (actress); ProducerCapers Dinner Theatre1998
2000sLittle Buttercup, 2005
2010sPriscilla, Queen of the Desert – The MusicalShirleyGlobal Creatures, Regent Theatre2010
2020s (pantomime)Dame (antagonist)Paul Holman Associates, Harlequin Big Top2023
2020sEmily WhitmanVictorian Opera, 2025

Recognition

Awards won

Colette Mann earned significant recognition for her portrayal of Shirley in the Australian production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, which won multiple theatre awards. The production received six Awards for its 2007 season, including Best Production. Mann won the Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2008 for the same role. Presented at the 8th Annual Helpmann Awards on July 28, 2008, at the Lyric Theatre in Star City, Sydney, the event—hosted by Jonathan Biggins and Julia Zemiro—recognized outstanding achievements across Australia's live performance sectors. This national honor underscored Mann's versatility and comedic timing, as Priscilla continued to captivate audiences with its vibrant storytelling and ensemble dynamics. This award marked a pivotal moment in Mann's career, affirming her status as a prominent figure in Australian during the late , though she has not received further major individual wins in subsequent years as of November 2025.

Nominations and other honors

Mann received a for the Logie Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series in 1981 for her portrayal of Doreen Anderson in . In the same year, she was part of the ensemble cast recognized with a Penguin Special Commendation for Outstanding Ensemble Acting for Prisoner, shared with co-stars Sheila Florance, Betty Bobbitt, and Val Lehman. For her work in Neighbours, Mann contributed to the cast's nomination for the Equity Ensemble Award for Best Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2014.

References

  1. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1230352-colette-mann
  2. https://www.mirror.co.uk/features/prisoner-cellblock-h-tv-jailbird-32209141
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0205873/fullcredits/
  4. http://www.perfectblend.net/neighbourhood/pro/mann-colette.htm
  5. https://www.victorianopera.com.au/production/follies/
  6. https://nemesisglobalmedia.com/client/colette-mann/
  7. https://www.amazon.com.au/Give-Me-Break-Colette-Mann/dp/0732270111
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542692/
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNysOh69PPo
  10. https://au.linkedin.com/in/colette-mann-5b6b1415
  11. https://www.victorianopera.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Follies-Programme-for-Web.pdf
  12. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/colette-mann-on-wentworth-the-remake-of-prisoner-20140519-zrhuv.html
  13. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/bad-girls-broke-the-shackles-20090217-gdtdcr.html
  14. https://prisonercellblockh.fandom.com/wiki/Doreen_Burns
  15. https://neighbours-soap-opera.fandom.com/wiki/Sheila_Canning_-_List_of_appearances
  16. https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a39021565/neighbours-colette-mann-confirms-exit-sheila-canning/
  17. https://www.newidea.com.au/celebrity/colette-mann-neighbours-weight-loss/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084212/fullcredits/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13353168/characters/nm0542692
  20. https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/08/wentworth-filmed-prisoner-cast-cameos.html
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7005636/fullcredits/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35932007/fullcredits/
  23. https://artsreview.com.au/godspell/
  24. https://castalbums.org/recordings/Godspell-1971-Melbourne-Cast/3776
  25. https://if.com.au/colette-mann-embraces-the-new-neighbours-shooting-paradigm/
  26. https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/hms-pinafore-and-trial-by-jury-20051218-ge1fv0.html
  27. https://www.operaonvideo.com/h-m-s-pinafore-gilbertsullivan-melbourne-2005/
  28. https://www.raffordproductions.com/pdfs/awards_nominations_priscilla.pdf
  29. https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/victorian-opera-announces-follies-cast
  30. https://artsreview.com.au/follies/
  31. https://simonparrismaninchair.com/2025/02/02/victorian-opera-follies-review-melbourne/
  32. http://www.wwwentworth.co.uk/library/hk03.htm
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0490959/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/Raretvandfilmbatley/posts/colette-mann-was-born-on-february-17-1950-in-melbourne-victoria-australia-she-is/734772385843017/
  35. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEjW5tiybIQ/
  36. https://stories.malthousetheatre.com.au/shows/the-adman/
  37. https://www.cameo.com/colettemann50
  38. https://twitter.com/mann_reelmann/status/1706612743585820993/video/1
  39. https://books.google.com/books/about/It_s_a_Mann_s_World.html?id=eBTnAAAACAAJ
  40. https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780732270117/give-me-a-break/
  41. https://northern.starweekly.com.au/uncategorized/291225-colette-mann-really-puts-her-back-into-moving-house/
  42. https://www.kokodatreks.com/treks/why-adventure-kokoda/media-articles/
  43. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/23483516.ex-neighbours-star-talks-outlander-family-ahead-glasgow-gig/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077064/characters/nm0542692/
  45. https://watch.plex.tv/person/colette-mann
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108215/characters/nm0542692/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13353168/characters/nm0542692/
  48. https://ovrtur.com/production/2883106/credits
  49. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542692/bio/
  50. https://playbill.com/article/colette-mann-puts-on-producers-hat-in-i-do-i-do-apr-16-com-74667
  51. https://www.naxos.com/CatalogueDetail/?id=OAF4009D
  52. https://www.whatsonstage.com/shows/redhill-theatre/beauty-and-the-beast_296706/
  53. https://australianstage.com.au/200804211377/news/melbourne/2007-green-room-awards-announced.html
  54. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/queen-of-the-desert-wins-six-crowns-in-the-green-room-20080421-gdsacz.html
  55. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/billy-elliot-the-big-winner-at-helpmann-awards-20080729-3mh5.html
  56. https://reports.liveperformance.com.au/past-reports/pdf/2007_-_2008_annual_report_1.pdf
  57. http://www.prisonercellblockhworld.co.uk/awards.html
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088580/awards/
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