Babette Stephens

Who was Babette Stephens?

Phyllis Babette Stephens was an Australian actress and director. A leading theatrical pioneer, she also appeared in film and television, and hosted talkback radio.

She was born in England. Her theatrical career began when she joined the Brisbane Repertory Theatre in 1930.

In the Brisbane Repertory Theatre society, now La Boite Theatre, she served as Council President from 1957 to 1959 and Theatre Director from 1960 to 1968. It was under her leadership that the company acquired its first permanent premises and performing space, and constructed the first La Boite theatre.

She was awarded an MBE in 1972.

She is the subject of a biography, Never Upstaged, by Jay McKee.

Her funeral, held at St John's Cathedral, Brisbane, was attended by around 500 people. The speakers included Sue Rider, the immediate past Artistic Director of La Boite Theatre, and Matt Foley, Queensland's Minister for the Arts.