Q1: Tell us a bit about yourself!
I grew up always knowing what I wanted to do for a job. After playing piano from the age of 5, performing in the school musicals and musically directing shows with my mum’s amateur theatre company in Perth, it was a natural transition to attend the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre at the age of 20, I moved to Sydney, secured an agent, and have now worked in the entertainment industry for over thirty years. In amongst the work life, I met my husband, James Roche (ARIA Award-Winning Producer and Artist with Australian Pop Duo, Bachelor Girl) on the Tim Rice Concert Spectacular in 2000, married in 2004 and now have two boys, Flynn and Beau. I love crosswords, scrabble and ping pong.

Q2: Tell us more about your professional work!
I have a lot of strings to my bow; musical theatre and cabaret performer, television actor, musician, host, producer and playwright. Highlights include: seven seasons playing the Queen of the Fairies on the Nine Network’s William & Sparkles’ Magical Tales, touring my one-woman shows to New York, India and the UK, hosting Love Actually in Concert and Sing-A-Long Sound of Music, and writing my critically acclaimed play, Beautiful Highness. I love the craft of creating character and some of my favourite roles challenged me to learn something I hadn’t accessed before - and that was thrilling for me as a creative. Those faves include Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins, Margaret Johnson in The Light In the Piazza, Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Rizzo in Grease, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, Amy in Company, Jolene Oakes in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Marge MacDougall in Promises Promises, Lalume in Kismet, and Gabby/Bobbi in City of Angels.

Q3: Tell us about your role within Stage School Australia!
I am the Resident Director - Music and I oversee all the music and backing tracks delivered to our teachers and students. I lead the cohort of teachers alongside the Curriculum Coordinator and I teach the Triple Threats on Friday nights.

Q4: What do you enjoy most about teaching for Stage School Australia?
I really enjoy teaching the Triples. Their passion is very inspiring and I appreciate that they are so coachable and willing to learn. I just love that these young people choose to spend their Friday night singing Showtunes and hanging out with their community of like-minded individuals.

Q5: Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to the next generation of performers?
Be committed but not attached to the outcome, this is truly one of the best life lessons I have learned. In the context of auditions, it has allowed me to play, whilst preparing with integrity. Even if I don’t get the gig, I can be proud of the work I’ve put in, and can see my growth throughout the process. Additionally, be coachable, and open to learning from others - this works in every aspect of life!