Mary Ann 'Buzz' Goodbody was born in Marylebone, London, in 1946, and was known throughout her life by her childhood nickname, reflecting her unquenchable spirit and energy. She was educated at the Roedean girls' school, and soon began showing her rebellious nature, joining the Communist party at age 15.
She studied at Sussex University, where she staged and directed multiple highly regarded productions. This included her adaptation of Dostoyevsky's Notes from the Underground, which won an award at the National Student Drama Festival and was staged at the Garrick Theatre in the West End.
JOINING THE RSC
Having attracted RSC Co-Founder and Director John Barton's attention, in 1967, Goodbody joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as his assistant. Alongside her work with Barton, she also served as a dramaturg for Terry Hands. She officially became an Assistant Director in 1969, the RSC's first female director (perhaps even the UK's first salaried female director).
She directed multiple Shakespeare productions at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, as well as radical new works, including Trevor Griffiths' Occupations and the controversial play The Oz Trial both in 1971 at The Place in London.
In 1973, Goodbody directed a feminist, modern-dress production of As You Like It at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Featuring a rock and roll score and metallic trees, understudy David Suchet ended up taking the role of Orlando opposite Eileen Atkins’ Rosalind after the original actor cast injured his back.
