Who is Johanna Allen?
I am an Australian artist: actor, singer, director with a side of writer and producer! I am a mum, a joyful person (I hope), who strives to choose optimism, hold to integrity and do good in the world.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think throughout my career I have left other opinions guide me too much, and only now, later in my career am I fully trusting my own gut. My voice was always there but I think I listen to it more now.
Who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by women who work across varying artistic platforms. Emma Thompson remains a hero – she’s a writer as well as an actor, a maker and a creative, and remains a performer. And she is utterly authentic. Kate Winslet as well.
I have always been told I have a European sensibility, and those women carry a gravitas that isn’t always rewarded in the world. But the liberation lies in becoming the writer, the director, the producer and start calling your own shots. And for that reason, I admire those women.
I also admire our extrordinary Australian writers and producers – Suzie Miller, Joanna Murray-Smith, Bruna Papandrea, my friend Sheridan Harbridge, and our composer and creator of Stella, Monique di Mattina. They all inspire me by making our own stories happen.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I still think stories on stage have the capacity to make a difference in the world. I think we have to continually examine how we tell them, in order for the telling to remain relevant.
I’ve just started directing Opera and coming from a classical singing background, it was a marriage of my own creative ideas and music that I loved. I want to do more of that. I want to make operatic work for the people, via immersive interaction and location.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York, where I studied, which always feels like home. And Europe. Anywhere with cobbled streets, pathways to wander, music and theatre!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I always love the Paris end of Melbourne. I know those lane ways well from many commercial musicals. And I love a wander – maybe Botanic Gardens, followed by a look in Hill of Content (I love that bookstore) and dinner at Bar Lourinhã.
What are you currently reading?
It has sat on my bedside table for far too long but I am desperate to start Wifedom by Anna Funder. Anna incidentally won the Miles Franklin Literary prize for All that I am.
What are you currently listening to?
Stella! Learning in the snippets of time around rehearsals. I always go back to Max Richter’s Spring too, when I want to hear something uplifting.
Happiness is?
Sleep! I became a parent a year and a half ago and life has been a delightful fog ever since. I am so grateful, but feeling rested would be nice…
What does the future hold for you?
The fire in my belly never goes away. I want a second to recalibrate and then work out my next move. I have roles I still very much want to play – Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County, Mother in Light in the Piazza, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha to name a few.
I want to re-visit Nellie Lovett in Sweeny Todd which I had the pleasure of performing last year for Victorian Opera. I also want to revisit Charlotte in A Little Night Music – I think I understand her even more now. But more directing and writing is calling my name. I’ve also got several things I want to adapt for stage. A breath first, a bit of sleep and then I’m onto it!
Johanna stars in the world premiere season of STELLA – A New Australian Musical – which will be presented at the Alexander Theatre – The Ian Potter Centre of Performing Arts (Clayton) from 12 – 20 June 2026. For more information, visit: www.stellathemusical.com for details.
Image: Johanna Allen – photo by Benny Capp