Norma’s love of theatre began at school singing in G. and S. productions and playing for others. At the age of sixteen she was invited to play piano for revues produced by Bill Stephens for the Griffith Revue Company. In those days, the Sydney Philip St. revues were a favourite haunt and Norma became fascinated with the double piano work led by Dot Mendoza.
After studying at Wagga Wagga Teachers College, Norma returned to Griffith to teach, play in local bands and to continue work with revues and musicals. In 1962, Norma married and moved to the Gundagai/Wagga region, continuing to teach, work with local bands and amateur groups. A move to Sydney in 1968 provided the opportunity to see most professional productions. Norma taught at Turramurra and played with trios and quartets until 1973, when husband Ross McGregor accepted the position of Resident Director at Canberra Repertory. In 1974 Norma at last had her first opportunity to experience double pianos with Andrew Kay in Rep’s first Old Time Music Hall. After nineteen seasons with Music Hall Norma was given Life Membership of Rep. in 1995.
During these years, Norma was busy with four children, teaching and occasionally working on other productions such as The Fantasticks and The James Dossier. Norma married Graham Robertson in 1980, thus acquiring four more children the easy way. Together, Norma and Graham produced many plays and large scale musicals.
In 1987, Norma appeared at the School of Arts Café in the first of sixteen seasons, accompanying many different performers.
During the last forty years Norma has seen hundreds of productions, both amateur and professional, looks forward to seeing many more and is convinced that there is going to be someone or something very special in every production.