Who is Glenn Hazeldine?
I am an actor, coach, dramaturg, arts advocate, unionist and fundraiser. Growing up in Newcastle is core to my being, I’m certain. I am currently president of the NSW branch of Actors’ Equity and Deputy Chair of Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW.
I can’t adequately express how excited I feel to be in beautiful Brisbane during winter for a revival of David Williamson’s brilliantly funny and romantic, Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica. The play stars my mightily cherished friend Georgie Parker … a person I want to work with always.
We performed this play at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney in 2023, but unfortunately I had an on-stage accident which resulted in a broken ankle. Devastatingly, this forced me to leave the show midway through its season. The opportunity to return to this work for Queensland audiences is a great privilege and I couldn’t be more delighted.
I have had a long and fruitful association with the remarkable career of Mr Williamson, having performed in more of his works than any other actor – something I’m terrifically proud to declare!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t like answering the phone for fear of receiving bad news. This frustrates many of my friends and colleagues. Personal admin is a weakness, and I wish it were otherwise.
Who inspires you and why?
My mum is 82 in July and still plays competition squash. She’s recently had some surgery to address an issue with her heart and is back on the court with vigour and determination. She tells me she wants to die with a racquet in her hand.
In 1990, I began my first relationship with a beautiful woman named Elizabeth. I was 18 or 19. Ours was a tumultuous union, ending in devastating fashion in 1999. Twenty-five years later, I made contact and we’ve since forged a devoted friendship. Elizabeth was diagnosed with a Stage 4 brain tumour last year and has battled valiantly to defeat it since. I love her profoundly and am inspired daily by her fortitude.
Finally, I am emboldened by the generation of Artists on whose shoulders I stand. There are too many to name individually but I regard, without equivocation, their part in the growth of our culture and the local industry.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am devoted to contributing towards a stronger, healthier, safer and more compassionate working environment for my industry. Arts advocacy and fundraising take up a great deal of my life and I am resolved to maintain this commitment.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I abide by Samuel Johnson’s adage, “When a [person] is tired of London, [they are] tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford”. Adding to the attraction, many close friends, my wonderful godson and his family live in various parts of that city.
I long to get back to New Zealand, my late Dad’s homeplace. That side of the family are South Islanders, he’s from Hokitika on the West Coast specifically, and I adore being anywhere there.
If I could, I’d spend a few weeks of every year in Ireland – great scenery, great people, great pubs, great music and great craic – I feel a strong connection with this country too. Closer to home, I’ve been fortunate enough to tour plays all around Australia – may such engagements endure!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Sydney Theatre Company in Walsh Bay. It’s a remarkable facility, forged from an early 20th century finger wharf, and is situated on the western side of the Harbour Bridge. I made my professional debut with STC in 1995 and have been closely associated with the organisation for over 30 years, not just as an Actor but also working with the Philanthropy, Education and Publicity departments. For the last five years I’ve also been running guided tours through the building. I love the place… and it’s a perfect launchpad for a stroll around Sydney’s beguiling emerald harbour.
What are you currently reading?
I have a condition called Aphantasia, which basically means I have a weakened ‘mind’s eye’. I’ve just started reading Lynne Kelly’s Memory Craft with the aim of strengthening the muscle of my brain. My psychologist recommended I explore The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris, so it seems I’m embedded in self-help writings. Stay tuned!
What are you currently listening to?
Always. Forever.
Happiness is?
Eating and pubbing with friends.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m not ambitious by nature, and allow anxiety to play too big a part in my life. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m determined to remain working in the arts, standing firmly amongst my union cohort and assisting my colleagues through difficult times as a member of Actors Benevolent Fund’s devoted Management Committee.
Glenn will co-star with Georgie Parker in Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica – presented by Queensland Theatre at the Bille Brown Theatre from 28 May – 21 Jun 2025. For more information, visit: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Glenn Hazeldine (supplied)