On the Couch with Penny Martin

Penny Martin oncWho is Penny Martin?
Actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, teacher (AIM and NIDA). You have to do everything to survive in this industry, but, first and foremost – mother and wife.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing except spend more time with friends and family.

Who inspires you and why?
My mother, so brave, graceful and funny. Ross Coleman for allowing you to be brave enough to express and feel and be the movement, not just dance 5,6,7,8. Anyone who has passion where it matters, no matter what industry.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Give more than I take.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
In Australia – Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island – it has great childhood memories and has a very special place in my heart as I got married on Double Island Point at Rainbow. Overseas, of course Tuscany.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Opera House via the Harbour to Rose Bay, then sea plane to Berowra Waters to sit on a balcony in the middle of the bush. One of the things I love most about Sydney is there’s so much natural beauty for a big city.

What are you currently reading?
The Girl in the Bath by Robyn Bishop – beautifully written – So hooked, I’m already getting sad it will end.

What are you currently listening to?
Adam Murphy, Kirby Burgess, Teagan Wouters, Kurt Phelan, Eric Rasmussen, Mark Vincent, Anna Freeland , Kyla Bartholomeusz, Mike Bishop, Barry Mitchell, James D Smith, James Maxfield, Chris Ostrenski, Kim Hudman, Hannah Stanton, Arron James Campbell, Erinn Arnel, Maddie Peat, Sam Marks, Mitchell Woodcock, James Bryers, Elysha Manik, Charles Bartley and Amy Campbell, for 8 shows a week doing Dirty Dancing – pretty spoilt! Also, my mum and Mark “Hurt Like This” Paloma Faith.

Happiness is?
Being happy working and travelling with friends and family, with a nice amount of home time thrown in.

What does the future hold for you?
More travel around our beautiful country. I am loving the honour of performing with a wonderful company – Dirty Dancing. Next year, supporting my son with his HSC, healing, growing and hopefully being useful to the world.

Penny Martin is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer and has worked extensively in theatre, film, television and fashion in Australian and internationally for over 30 years. She toured from a young age as a dancer with Australian Youth Ballet to England and Scotland, and has worked since then with Australia’s leading choreographers.

Penny’s musical theatre credits include the role of Charity in Anything Goes (Hayden Productions), Velma in West Side Story (IMG), Patsy in Crazy For You (Gordon Frost), Betty Blast in Footloose (SEL/GFO), The Wizard of Oz (VSO/VAC), The Hunting of The Snark (Jackson Mayo Productions), Kimberly in The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Really Useful Company) and the workshop of Easter Parade with Broadway’s Tommy Tune (Gordon Frost).

She appeared with Barry Humphries in Barry Humphries – Tears Before Bedtime and choreographed his Look At Me When I’m Talking To You tour. Penny played the role of Morticia in the Addams Family Concert (Sydney Entertainment Centre), and performed nationally and internationally in the cabaret shows Frank Sinatra – A Life in Song with Tom Burlinson, On Broadway, The 60’s Girl Show and The Jackie Love Show.

Penny’s film credits include Dein Perry’s Bootmen, Three Stooges, George of the Jungle 2, Goddess and Next Door to the Valinsky’s. She was a principal motion capture cast member in the international blockbusters Happy Feet and Happy Feet 2, directed by George Miller.

On television she has appeared in Home and Away, Magical Tales and the mini-series Tanemirra. She performed in the Live Aid Concert (London), Royal Bicentennial Concerts, The Australian Fashion Industry Awards, Mercedes Fashion Week, Midday With Ray Martin, Roy & HG’s Club Buggery, Denton and the Opening and Closing ceremonies for the 2000 Olympic Games (Dein Perry’s Tap Segment). She also has been the face of several television advertising campaigns and has appeared in numerous music videos.

Penny has choreographed and worked with the production teams for reality shows Marry My Son, So You Think You Can Dance Australia and The Matty Johns Show. Her extensive corporate credits as both a performer and choreographer include shows for IBM, CBA, St George, McDonalds, Lexus, Schwarzkopf and Goldwell.

Penny is currently appearing in the national touring production of Dirty Dancing, which plays Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 27 May 2015, before touring to Perth and Adelaide. For more information, visit: www.dirtydancingaustralia.com for details.

Image: Penny Martin