Who is Verity Hunt-Ballard?
Verity Hunt-Ballard is a mother, partner, daughter, performer, friend and chocaholic.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I wasn’t a performer I’d explore humanitarian work of some sort.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired on a daily basis by many people around me especially my daughter, my partner and my family, but recently I have been re inspired all over again by Nelson Mandela – an incredible soul. I have become familiar with an organization called ‘Bridging the Gap’ in Melbourne who help asylum seekers set up their homes. I’m inspired by anyone who is actively working on themselves (for this is one of the most challenging tasks…(I also went to the Alicia Keys and John Legend concert the other day, pretty darn inspiring!)
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I could make one difference in the world it would be to try and minimize peoples fear. It seems to be the root of so much destruction. ‘The only thing stronger than fear is hope’. Sweet Charity is all about hope!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The last holiday we went on was a whirl wind trip around Europe and I have to say as corny as it sounds I’m a sucker for Paris – just magic in so many ways!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
When friends come to Melbourne I like to take them out for breakfast (too many good places to list!) Then a visit to Abbotsford Convent, a stroll along Brunswick St, a good pub meal at The Fox Pub in Collingwood and then on to see some live music. If they stay for a couple of days The Peninsula Hot Springs in Rye is a must!
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Eva Luna by Isabel Allende (I’ve literally been reading it for two years! Things have been busy!)
What are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to my partner Scott T Johnson’s EP The Tree and the Sea, Part 1.
Happiness is?
Happiness is morning cuddles and laughter in bed.
What does the future hold for you?
What does the future hold for me?… Who really knows?
Verity Hunt-Ballard is widely known for her portrayal of Mary Poppins for which she received a Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Musical, a Green Room Award for Best Female Artist in a Leading Role in Music Theatre.
Verity has also been seen on stage in Shane Warne The Musical Concert, Jersey Boys, The Rocky Horror Show and, After the Beep for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Metro Street at the State Theatre Company of SA, for which she won a Theatre Critics Award for Best Female Performance.
Verity graduated from WAAPA in 2003 and made her television drama debut in the ABC series The Doctor Blake Mysteries. Verity will be in the upcoming production of Sweet Charity at The Hayes Theatre from 7 February – 9 March 2014. For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Verity Hunt-Ballard