Who is Billie Palin?
Billie Palin is born and bred in Dubvegas, Central West NSW. She has always loved to sing, act and be a lovable pain in everyone’s ass. She is a lover of cabaret and musical reimagining’s/new works. Her current typecasts are pirates, cowboys and religious figures (she is hoping to add witches to the list in the near future). Billie is undeniably queer and happy to be here – she lives with her smoke show of a girlfriend and their cat in Marrickville NSW. Billie is 172cm tall, available for the shoot dates and has no existing competition on air.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
My cousin and I once had a dream to open a pie shop in our grandmother’s house in Dubbo. Home-made crust and bizarre fillings that we would invent and update every week. I mean, we were about 15 at the time so the idea never came to fruition, but honestly if it had we’d probably have a few chains now – so it’s still in the works.
Who inspires you and why?
It might sound cliché but I would have to say my parents. I am of the age where I am realising how much they have done (and continue to do for me) and how much they have worked and sacrificed to allow my brothers and I to live out our dreams. I hope to make them proud!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think finding and celebrating good in the world wherever you can. Being brave enough to stand strong in your values and being able to discuss them with empathy and understanding. It’s easy to feel so small and insignificant when it comes to making a change, but sometimes all it takes is one conversation to shift someone’s outlook.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
THE EMERALD ISLE! I just got back from Ireland and would love to again! The people, the food and the landscape were all just magical and I feel like there is still so much for me to explore.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
We would start at the beach (obvs) and then hit up the Hayes Theatre (cause I know whatever they’ve got on will be fabulous). Then for dins I would take them to Golden Lotus in Newtown to get a vegan laska with double vegan meat. I’m not even a vegan but I tell swear that broth will change your life!
What are you currently reading?
I have just finished Ever Blessed by Olivia O’Flynn! A new fantasy romance novel from a young Aussie author featuring a (drumroll pls) WLW love story (confetti cannons blast). Yes it’s true – I’m a sucker for a good ROM/FAN. I recommend!
What are you currently listening to?
Scuse me – if you are not listening to Kala Gare’s Closer To Home album on repeat then what are you doing? You’re welcome in advance!
Happiness is?
Happiness is a loooong hug, a glass (or bottle) of rose with a best friend, laughing till you wheeze/cry, standing in the front window of the metro, a cat sleeping on your chest, finding a random $20 note, looking out the window when the plane gets above the clouds, a grocery store trip with the love of your life and the bow at the end.
What does the future hold for you?
At the very least I hope to be alive and well! I’m excited to start working on Silver Tongue – a new musical debuting at the Hayes in 2026. I love being involved in brand new home-grown works and this one is going to be an absolute dream! I hope to be performing as much as possible while being a successful pie shop mogul (where does she find the time?).
Billie can be seen in Calamity Jane – which plays in the Studio – Sydney Opera House from 14 October – 16 November. Billie appears as Calamity Jane in Tuesday night performances from 21 October 2025. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com for details.
Image: Billie Palin (supplied)