Who is Kristina McNamara?
Kristina is a multifaceted artist who has worked extensively on stage with credits including Annie, Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical, Sweet Charity, Chicago, The Great Gatsby, FOLLIES, The Rocky Horror Show and West Side Story on the Harbour, just to name a few…
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Strangely enough I’m exactly where I want to be. In 2006 when visiting New York, I saw CHICAGO and thought, “I can do that” – so it’s hard now not to be grateful each day to be living out that simple thought. But in another world I would have loved to have been involved in the Olympics or sports medicine. I like the human body and elite performance.
Who inspires you and why?
My biggest inspirations are those closest to home – mum and dad. A function of Dad’s job is saving lives and yet he’s the most low key of people. He never makes a deal of himself. So he’s always in my mind when I show up for work and life. I probably get my sense of humour and penchant for words and expression from my writer of a mum. Industry wise, Tony Sheldon, Anthony Warlow and Caroline O’Connor are three Australian idols of mine. Two of whom I’m lucky to call friends.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Be kind to children so they are kind to others. I’m a big believer that change starts in the home and in the minutia of a day.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
One with my nieces and nephews. Doing what I do, one is often working while others are socialising (weekends and nights!) So sharing quality time with the ‘niephlings’ would count for a great holiday, no matter where we were.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d spend my birthday (on the years that I’m in town) at the Opera Bar, because name a more beautiful spot! So perhaps a show at the Opera House and a boat road on the Harbour – just perfect. Look, I never said I was original.
What are you currently reading?
Michael Caine’s autobiography, aptly named (and say it in his voice!) Blowing the Bloody Doors Off. I love to immerse myself in the show I’m doing, and as Michael was a lead in the 1988 movie of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it’s an apt read for the chapter, per se.
What are you currently listening to?
The Quantum Revelation by Paul Levy. Quantum physics has always fascinated me.
Happiness is?
A privilege.
What does the future hold for you?
Certainly a lot of trust! I’m interested to see what happens when I dabble in the creative side of the performance world, for instance Assistant Directing and such, later in the year. One is constantly growing into the next iteration of themselves and their career. On one hand it’s all very planned and intentional, on the other it’s the big unknown and a whole lot of faith.
Kristina stars as Christine Colgate in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – which will be presented at the Hayes Theatre Co from 22 May – 21 June 2026. For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Kristina McNamara (supplied)