Australian musical theatre icon Rhonda Burchmore answers some candid everyday questions …
The state of my hair right now is …
Shoulder length copper and in need of constant attention. I have at least two professional blow-dries per week, to keep up my glamorous image for the Hairspray publicity!
The state of my heart right now is …
Beating fast for many reasons, such as feeling anxious about the state of the world, and all the sadness. With the rapid rate of Covid spreading, it’s like walking on eggshells in a big company like Hairspray. But my heart also beats fast with the excitement of performing the role of its villain, Velma Von Tussle.
The state of my makeup table right now is …
An absolute mess! There’s so much product everywhere and no time to clean. But my daughter hates mess and throws things out every week, which is a terrific way of culling!
The most famous person I’ve met is …
Princess Diana! I had the honour of meeting her on five occasions.
My best on-stage stuff up was when …
I was performing in Hot Shoe Shuffle, and got wedged between the orchestra and scenery, with just my feet hanging out. It was a bit like the wicked witch of the West when the house fell on her! David Atkins, who played my twin, was barely five feet tall and tried to dislodge me. As everyone knows, I am a very tall woman, and it was hilarious!
Back in high school I was …
The tallest girl in my class, and often bullied because of my happy nature, and wanting to sing and dance around the playground and put on lunchtime shows.
The best thing about working in theatre is …
The live reaction from the audience. I love working with theatre people. As they say in the song, “there’s no people like show people, they smile when they are low!”
The worst thing about working in theatre is …
When I show flops and you get your notice after months, and sometimes years, of hard work.
People don’t know that I once …
Went to university and became a schoolteacher.
If you want to make my blood boil, start talking about …
Conspiracy theories for Covid!
When alone in my car I …
Put on the radio and sing along to whatever’s playing or practice my songs for upcoming shows – with the windows up.
My secret food indulgence is …
Meredith Dairy goat’s feta cheese.
The song that makes me smile and want to dance is …
September, by Earth, Wind & Fire
The song I can never get out of my head is …
ABBA’s Dancing Queen!
My favourite all-time TV character is …
Ginger from Gilligan’s Island.
The campest thing in my house is …
A collection of now, 400 Barbies dolls displayed in glass cabinets.
My gay friends are …
Fabulous!
