Who is Annie Aitken?
Mum to twin boys, Alfie and Teddy. Musical theatre and opera performer. Eternal optimist. Lover of family, laughter, and stupidly high notes. Currently Cunégonde in Candide for Opera Australia and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve been practicing letting go of ‘what ifs’ and living without regret. If I’d done anything differently then I might not have met my husband Scott, or had our beautiful twin boys. I have plenty of goals and aspirations I’m excited to pursue, but there never seems to be enough hours in the day when you’re a parent!
Who inspires you and why?
It may be cliché, but my greatest inspirations have always been my parents – and that only continues with every new stage of my life. My Dad – a classic overachiever in every aspect of life – was an obstetrician and fertility specialist, and my Mum is the heart and rock of our family, having raised my three brothers and I.
They instilled in us a strong work ethic, generosity, and unwavering love for family and community. Their kindness, resilience, and boundless support have shaped who I am, and they continue to set the benchmark for the kind of parent I strive to be. Now watching them as grandparents to my boys, I’m even more in awe of them.
I also have immense admiration for working mums. Balancing career and motherhood is never easy, particularly within the arts, and the strength and sacrifices it takes to juggle it all while navigating the ever-present ‘mum guilt’ and responsibilities is something I deeply admire. Parenthood is all-consuming, and I have so much respect for those who continue to show up for their families while pursuing their passions.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I strive to bring love, kindness, and gratitude into the world, supporting my family, friends, and community in meaningful ways. As a mum of boys, I feel a deep responsibility to raise them with empathy, respect, and tolerance – especially toward women. That responsibility is personal, shaped by my own experiences as a young woman, and I hope to instil in them the values of kindness, integrity, accountability and the courage to stand up for what is right.
I’m also passionate about nurturing the next generation of performers. In my 11 years in the industry, I’ve seen incredible progress in how we represent diversity on stage – attitudes towards race, gender, sexuality, body image, age and inclusivity. There’s undoubtedly still work to be done, but I want to encourage young artists to step forward with confidence, knowing their voices, stories, and individuality matter. Whether through motherhood or mentorship, I hope to make a difference by fostering a more compassionate, inclusive, and empowered world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This is a tough question – I love to travel! Though these days, just getting everyone out the door feels like an international expedition. When I lived in London though, travel was so accessible, I hopped on the cheapest flight or train I could whenever I had a free weekend. One of my favourite cities is Paris – I think it is pure magic!
The dreamy sepia-toned streetscape that feels like stepping into a painting, the grandeur of the architecture, rich history, iconic landmarks waiting to be discovered at every turn. Romance lingers in the air, inviting you to get lost in its winding avenues. As someone who loves anything that sparkles, watching the Eiffel Tower glisten never lost its wonder. Cannot go past a river seine cruise at sunset.
Then there’s the food (croissants!), the wine, the cheese, the fashion – every indulgence feels like an art form. I was fortunate enough to go there just after lockdowns were lifted and felt like I had the whole city to myself, walking for hours from sunrise just to watch the colours of the city change. For me Paris isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My husband and I relocated to Perth to be near my family when we had our twins. We are lucky to live near the coast – Perth truly has some of the best beaches in the world. A must-do is a ferry ride to Rottnest Island, it’s unlike anywhere else. We also enjoy exploring the South West Coast, primarily Yallingup Beach and the Margaret River wine region. It offers something for everyone – beautiful nature, world-class wine, and endless activities for all ages.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir. It’s about Queen Mary I of England, and my grandma gave it to me for Christmas since we both share a love of historical fiction, especially stories about the prominent women of Tudor England. As a mum, the time I have for reading is pretty limited, so it might take me a while to finish!
What are you currently listening to?
I spend hours a day walking the boys in the pram, so I get through a lot of audiobooks, podcasts and music. Right now, though, I have the Candide and Guys & Dolls soundtracks on repeat to get inspired and immerse myself into the worlds of the two shows I’m working on. That’s only when The Wiggles or The Happy Song aren’t on repeat for my boys!
Happiness is?
Happiness for me is a balanced life – cuddles and laughter and quality time with my boys, having my three brothers (who live interstate and overseas) home for full family time, and then getting to perform on stage and connect with that creative version of myself. It’s also the joy and support of my incredible mothers’ group, where we share the highs and lows of parenthood (and lots of good wine and cheese).
What does the future hold for you?
Nothing is certain except that I’ll have my hands full raising my boys. Scott is from the UK, where we met, so I’d love for our family to spend some time there at some stage. Travel was a huge part of our lives before kids, so I’m excited to start exploring the world with them as they grow.
Professionally, I hope for creatively fulfilling and exciting roles that continue to challenge me and keep me inspired. Whatever the future holds, I know it’ll be a beautiful mix of family, adventure, and artistic passion.
Annie is currently starring as Cunégonde in Candide in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House until 14 March, before starring as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour from 21 March 2025.
Image: Annie Aitken (supplied)