Exeunt
This section lists members of the theatre profession and allied fields who have recently passed away. Please share your knowledge of these people with us by writing a short biography and sending it to
Written by Theatre Heritage Australia
Australian Ballet Dancer Garth Welch was born on 14 April 1936. His first professional job was in the J.C. Williamson production Call Me Madam in 1953. Brought to the attention of Borovansky, he joined the Borovansky Ballet the following year and went straight into the role of Principal Dancer. Garth also danced with the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas.
Dame Peggy van Praagh invited him to join the newly formed Australian Ballet in 1962 where he remained as Principal Dancer until 1973, dancing lead roles in most of their productions, both classical and contemporary.
In the 1970s he worked for Ballet Victoria as both choreographer and Assistant Artistic Director. He also worked as Artistic Director for The Western Australian Ballet from 1980 until 1982. As guest artist with The Sydney Dance Company he created a number of key principal roles and in the 1990s returned to Musical Theatre, performing in The Game of Love and Chance in 1990, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying in 1993 and Nijinsky by Night in 1998.
He married Australian Prima Ballerina Marilyn Jones and together they had two sons, Stanton and Damien who both became dancers and choreographers of note in their own rites, both here in Australia and abroad.
Garth Welch passed away on 2 September 2025.
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Written by Theatre Heritage Australia
Australian Ballet Company legend and foundation member, Colin Peasley OAM began his classical ballet training at the ripe old age of twenty-one, having previously trained in jazz and tap. Joining the company when it formed in 1962, he would be with them in varying aspects for fifty years. A member of the Corps de Ballet, he progressed to Principal Dancer and later danced many character roles such as Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet, Gamache in Don Quixote, Doctor Coppelius in Coppelia, Madge the witch in La Sylphide and The Baron in The Merry Widow. His portrayals were more than just send-ups though. They were studied, considered and heartfelt tellings of the characters he danced.
As well as performing for the company, he was also one of their major teachers. He was an Honorary Life Member and committee member of Cecchetti Ballet Australia as well as board and committee member of various other ballet institutions throughout Australia.
Colin was known for his dedication to the students he worked with, his humour and love of life. Born on October 15, 1934, he passed away on 2 September 2025, aged ninety-one.
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