BIZARRELY enough, one of the world's favourite soaps, Neighbours, was cancelled in its infancy meaning the likes of Kylie Minogue nearly missed the boat on the showbiz life.

But, thanks to Australia's Network 7, it was saved at the 11th hour and some of its finest characters, including Anne Charleston (as Madge), enjoyed memorable stints on the show.

Now residing in Britain, she has taken on a wealth of stage roles since her 'screen death' two years ago. Amongst the most successful has been starring alongside former Equaliser Edward Woodward in The Cemetery Club.

This riotous tale of three widows re-entering the dating game has been critically and popularly acclaimed, so much so it has tempted Anne to reprise her role for the fourth time.

Sounding relaxed (though surprisingly not at all like husky housewife Madge) she enthuses about the show in her assured yet warm Anglicised-tones.

"We have had two weeks of it so far and it has been going awfully well. It's a great celebration of drama, and the reception has been fantastic. I would not have done it again after nine years if it were not worth doing. It's had a few tweaks though since it was first written.

"Edward (Woodward) is lovely, and both he and Michele Dotrice have been great. Edward is so full of stories and cannot wait to finish shows so we can hear them."

While admitting to the odd pre-performance nerves, she says they are all comfortable with each other now which has created a brilliant spirit to the production.

She is no stranger to the stage and described her early career in Melbourne theatre as a very exciting time, but conceded it had at times been difficult to get the breaks in an insecure industry.

"It's just something I wanted to do, I cannot remember exactly why. I did not know anyone with similar ambitions, and none of my family were involved with acting. I was a bit of a pariah for doing it!"

Life before Neighbours was an intriguing mix of radio, TV and theatre, making a notable appearance in gritty and violent women's prison drama Prisoner Cell Block H. "Everyone has been on that," she recalls with amusement.

But it was the call of Ramsay Street - playing a feisty wife with a heart of gold- which was to prove her shining hour to date winning her millions of fans across the globe.

"I was in a TV show called Possession at the time, but it got cancelled after six months. Then Neighbours came along and that was cancelled after about the same length of time. Then another network picked it up and it went from there.

"The early years were wonderful, but there was a regime change when the writers felt that women over 40 should all be victims. They dismantled the character, which I had built, so I decided to leave."

She appeared to have a good on-screen rapport with Neighbours' husband Harold Bishop (Ian Smith). Was that the case?

"We got on well, and with some shows that can become a bit like a sausage factory. If you don't get on, it can be disastrous. We had to make allowances and were generous to each other."

She also has plenty of praise for stars of the show during the 80s, teenage couple Charlene and Scott (Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan), whom she kept a watchful eye over. She wishes them good luck and is proud of their achievements

Most recently, we have seen Anne in Crossroads, which after making a dramatic return from television obscurity was sensationally axed earlier this year.

"That was fun for a while, and a brave attempt to make a show which was very different from anything else around. I think it was a political decision to cancel it - there had been so much money spent on the sets which were amazing."

Panto has provided a welcome distraction from more serious roles, and she admits that she enjoys playing baddies, "but this year I am a fairy in Mansfield!"

Though life may not have been a perfect fairytale for Anne at times, a positive attitude has helped tremendously: "I just try and take things as they come, try not to hurt people and enjoy life - it is for living."

Away from work, her interests are fairly regular, finding pleasure in gardening, walking and swimming. " I enjoy going out with friends and just being a hedonist," she adds, revealing something of a hidden wild side.

Falling in love with Ireland (where she has family) 11 years ago, she confesses to occasionally being homesick and says she feels a visit home coming on soon.

Her son, Nick, will be waiting there for her, after returning down under after completing a post at the Adelphi Theatre as a technician.

As for Anne herself, she is very much focused on the here and now, and is anticipating the continuing tour of The Cemetery Club. It calls at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud between September 22 and 27.

Describing it as a "lovely theatre" it's clear she still has a real appetite for her craft and is enjoying being part of a quality production.

"The show is hilariously funny and also deeply sad, and very worthwhile seeing," she adds.