On the Couch with Melanie Hawkins

Melanie Hawkins AAR On the CouchWho is Melanie Hawkins?
A fiery female from Adelaide but residing in Melbourne. A performer. A dancer. A lover of life and learning lots about herself along the way. (My friends would probably say that I’m strong, loyal, funny and a bit of a chatterbox).

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing at all. I am exactly where I want to be. But if there was a ‘sliding doors’ moment somewhere along the way, maybe I would’ve been the lead singer in an 80’s rock band.

Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who is working on themselves to try to become a better person. To delve deep into your fears and insecurities requires you to be very vulnerable and authentic and i think that is extremely courageous. When you do that kind of work on the inside, I believe that it spreads to the outside and can affect the whole world.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would love to help children who are growing up in a house hold with a parent who suffers from a mental illness. That was my experience as a child and it has greatly affected me over my entire life. Focussing on supporting their needs as children, which in turn would be supporting the parents as well. Therapy during those tough times could potentially help to avoid the need for it later in life.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tulum in Mexico. It’s like Byron Bay… but in Mexico.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The city streets of Melbourne for some delicious food, drinks on a rooftop bar and maybe some live music. Or to Polperro Winery on the Mornington Peninsula for a day trip of lunch and wine tastings. Heaven!

What are you currently reading?
My Saturday Night Fever script. Everyday. Living and breathing it!

What are you currently listening to?
Chris – an album by Christine and the Queens, a French singer/songwriter. Super cool. And Oprah’s Master Class podcast. Every week there is someone completely different. Actors, Musicians, Comedians, each describing some of their own life lessons. Super inspiring.

Happiness is?
Dancing. Swimming in the ocean. A good belly laugh. A delicious Margarita… the pizza or the cocktail… or both. Singing in the car. A long, tight cuddle.

What does the future hold for you?
I’m so glad i don’t know the answer to that, cause how boring would that be!?! Hopefully more Performing. More musicals. More roles that challenge me. And more travel!

Melanie stars as Stephanie in Saturday Night Fever – which premieres at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 2 April 2019. For more information, visit: www.saturdaynightfever.com.au for details.

Image: Melanie Hawkins