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"Margaret Fulton: I Sang for My Supper" is a six-part docu-drama musical homage to Australia’s culinary icon, Margaret Fulton. Written by Yuri Worontschak and Doug MacLeod, the production celebrates Fulton's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming Australia's first cooking superstar, forever transforming the nation’s culinary landscape.

 

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the musical opens with a young Margaret working in a factory, far removed from the kitchens she would one day revolutionize. As a resilient single mother living in Sydney's The Rocks, Margaret navigates a male-dominated society with determination, driven by her passion for food. The story chronicles her rise to fame as she overcomes personal and professional challenges, introducing a new era of Australian cuisine.

 

Interwoven with Fulton's personal life—encompassing her romances, heartbreaks, and financial struggles—the musical brings to life the relatable, multifaceted woman behind the iconic cookbook that sold 1.5 million copies. Her philosophy of making elegant, simple cooking accessible to Australian homes is celebrated through lively music and engaging narratives. Premiering in St. Kilda in 2012, the musical received critical acclaim, praised for its humor and charm.

 

Since then, it has toured over 100 venues across Australia, featuring notable performances by Amy LaPalmer and Zoy Frangos. "Margaret Fulton: I Sang for My Supper" stands as a tribute to her life, capturing the wit, resilience, and legacy of a woman who redefined Australian cooking and culture for generations. This biopic musical adaptation will foster a new generation's appreciation for Margaret's charm and achievements.

Margaret Fulton: I Sang for My Supper

Episode 1: Beginnings

 

The series opens in the 1930s in Glen Innes, New South Wales. A young Margaret, raised by her Scottish immigrant parents, Isabella and John, demonstrates a passion for cooking under her mother's guidance. Despite the limited opportunities for women and the mundane domestic science education, Margaret dreams of a life beyond her small town.

 

Key Moments:

- Introduction to Margaret's family and upbringing.

- Margaret's frustration with the traditional education system.

- Isabella's encouragement for Margaret to value knowledge and self-reliance.

- The arrival of an army camp in Glen Innes and Margaret's first romantic encounter with Trevor, a young soldier.

 

Themes:

- The limitations placed on women in the 1930s.

- The importance of family and cultural heritage.

- Early signs of Margaret's independence and ambition.

 

Episode 2: The Rocks and New Horizons

 

Margaret moves to Sydney during World War II, seeking independence and adventure. She settles in The Rocks, a bohemian neighbourhood teeming with artists and free spirits. Margaret takes a job in a nuts and bolts factory but yearns for more fulfilling work. She befriends Bea, a single mother and "lady of the night," who becomes a close confidante.

 

Key Moments:

- Margaret's struggles with monotonous factory work.

- Her meeting with Bea and introduction to the bohemian lifestyle.

- Margaret's departure from the factory under false pretenses to seek better opportunities.

- Her role as a cooking demonstrator for the Gas and Fuel Corporation, showcasing her natural teaching ability.

 

Themes:

- Breaking free from societal norms.

- The empowerment found in female friendships.

- The intersection of class and opportunity in wartime Sydney.

 

**Episode 3: Love, Loss, and Independence**

 

Margaret's fiancé, Trevor, returns from the war, and they marry. However, the marriage is short-lived due to irreconcilable differences, especially after the birth of their daughter, Suzanne. As a single mother, Margaret returns to The Rocks and reconnects with Bea. She begins working at *Woman* magazine, where her culinary talents flourish.

 

Key Moments:

- The strained marriage between Margaret and Trevor.

- The challenges of single motherhood in the 1950s.

- Margaret's career growth at *Woman* magazine.

- The untimely death of her mother, Isabella, leaving Margaret seeking guidance.

 

Themes:

- The societal stigma of divorce and single parenthood.

- Pursuing a career while raising a child alone.

- Coping with personal loss and finding inner strength.

 

Episode 4: Rising to Prominence

 

Margaret becomes a well-known figure through her cooking demonstrations and television appearances, including a spot on the *Bobby Limb Show*. She meets Denis Doonan, a charming but unreliable man who becomes her second husband. Their marriage is fraught with infidelity and unmet expectations. Despite personal turmoil, Margaret is approached by publisher Paul Hamlyn to write a cookbook.

 

Key Moments:

- Margaret's growing fame and influence on Australian cuisine.

- The tumultuous relationship with Denis, including his affairs.

- The opportunity to write *The Margaret Fulton Cookbook*.

- Margaret's internal conflict between personal happiness and professional success.

 

Themes:

- The cost of fame on personal relationships.

- The emergence of modern Australian cuisine.

- Female empowerment through career achievements.

 

Episode 5: International Success and Personal Challenges**

 

Margaret travels to London to promote her cookbook, which becomes an international bestseller. She meets Michael McKeag, a cinematographer who becomes the love of her life. Upon returning to Australia, Margaret faces the collapse of her marriage to Denis and navigates the complexities of starting anew with Michael. Tragedy strikes when Michael is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

 

Key Moments:

- The excitement of Swinging London and international recognition.

- The blossoming romance with Michael.

- Margaret's divorce from Denis and the societal judgment that follows.

- Michael's illness and their decision to cherish their remaining time together.

 

Themes:

- Love and loss on a profound level.

- Balancing personal happiness with professional obligations.

- The fragility of life and the importance of seizing the moment.

 

Episode 6: Legacy

 

Following Michael's passing, Margaret immerses herself in her work, leaving an indelible mark on Australian culture. She faces the challenges of aging, including being asked to participate in Bicentennial celebrations, which she feels disconnected from. Reflecting on her life, Margaret reconciles with her past and finds peace in her accomplishments.

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