You’re currently playing the role of Sandy in Grease. Tell us what that’s like.
It’s really special to be able to portray such an iconic character like Sandy. I get to find my own feet with the role, but also play a character that I respond so easily to. I understand Sandy and always have. I am a Sandy, so it’s great to put a lot of myself in to the performance and keep her grounded and real.
You’ve been touring around Australia – do you have a favourite city? Do you get much time to explore each city you’re in whilst on tour?
Oh that’s a hard one to answer! I love each city for different reasons. We are lucky to have at least six weeks in most cities, so I’ve done a lot of exploring. I research a lot about each city and love to set out by car or on foot to check out little cafes, the best coffee and amazing vegetarian picks around town. I’ve always resonated very well with Melbourne. Perth feels a bit like home because studying at WAAPA made me stop and appreciate the place, so I absolutely love coming back to Perth. It’s a special city to me. The same goes with Brisbane and Adelaide. All of those cities I have performed in now at least three times, so they all feel a part of my journey as a performer.
When did your passion for performing begin?
I was bitten by that bug when I was very young; putting on concerts, performances for my parents and brothers, singing and dancing to every Video Hits song when I was about 4. I think that started the passion! My actual realisation though was around 11 or 12 when I remember specifically saying to people that I was going to WAAPA (yes, I had done my research!) and was going to be in musicals.
What other shows have you starred in?
This is my first starring role. I’ve been playing Sandy for nearly 12 months. Prior to Grease, I performed for a few years in the Australian and International touring company of Wicked the Musical where I played the Mother and understudied Elphaba and Nessarose, and before that, I was cast in Mamma Mia the musical, where I was in the ensemble and understudied Sophie (the juvenile lead) and her two friends, Ali and Lisa.
You graduated from WAAPA four years ago. What advice do you have for young hopefuls wanting to attend WAAPA or get into the performing arts field?
Practice and always be willing to learn. Listen to your teachers and don’t just criticise others – look at your own faults. It isn’t easy as it’s a very personal industry. Sometimes you just might not look right, you might not be tall enough, you might not dance the right style, you might not have brown hair… so be prepared for this industry to be tough, but amongst it all, be kind and work hard.
You sing, dance and act. Do you have a favourite out of the three?
Oh, it’s always hard to choose! All three really let a spark in me fly. I always feel fulfilled doing at least one of them. There’s nothing better than combining them all though, and I think that’s the special thing about being a ‘triple threat’.
Where are your favourite places to travel to and explore in Australia?
So many. In Queensland, I cannot go past the Gold Coast. The sun is always shining and its energy is almost infectious. I also love to walk the Brisbane river and explore all the little cafes around Fortitude Valley. In Perth, I love to hit the roads. Aside from the gorgeous beaches and cafes in Fremantle and Cottesloe, a trip to Northam in WA to hot air ballon was a favourite of mine. The fields are absolutely stunning and almost like an emerald city. I don’t drink alcohol, so wine tours are not necessarily my thing; therefore, when in Adelaide, the Central Markets and Glenelg draw my attention. I love to have brunch and sit by the beach. In Melbourne, I also hit the roads. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs spa country and the beautiful coast line of Lorne always deliver. A trip along the Victorian Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles (which are sadly getting less and less) is one of the most magnificent sights I’ve seen. I always feel like I’ve had a little getaway time there. And for Sydney, I get in my car and head to my gorgeous lookout on Bald Hill where hang gliders do their thing on the South Coast, looking towards Sea Cliff Bridge where you literally drive over the ocean. It’s magical.
What does being Australian mean to you?
I am very proud to be an Australian. I grew up in the outskirts of Central Queensland with a true Australian childhood. Paddocks, rivers, creeks, climbing trees and running around barefoot with my brothers. To be able to grow up on this beautiful land and experience a country that is welcoming to all cultures and is full of wonderful people who are proud and supportive of each other; we are the Aussie spirit and to be representing an Australian girl in Australian music theatre makes me very proud to be keeping this Aussie “Sandy” alive.
