Who is Billy Bourchier?
I’m a professional Music Theatre Performer, Dad and Husband. Currently, my wife, daughter and our loveable staffy and I live a nomadic Airbnb lifestyle, packing up our things into our little SUV and touring around Australia with professional theatre productions like Miss Saigon, West Side Story and Sunset Boulevard.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If for some reason I had to move away from performing I think I’d love to try my hand at something in sales and marketing. I have a small amount of experience in these fields from working in the wine industry during Covid and I felt like my performing skills were a good asset to draw from in these spaces.
Who inspires you and why?
I draw inspiration from so many people and situations. From my performing icons like Anthony Warlow, Michael Crawford and Ramin Karimloo; to the seemingly small but very influential moments in life. Seeing the joy in my daughter while learning a new skill or being inspired by people who set great examples to me as a husband and father.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think over history we’ve lost a little of our humanity in how the world goes around. Clearly we have ‘enough’ but don’t do a very good job at sharing it sometimes. I’d love to see us take better care of each other as well as the planet. How? Everyone can start small right?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Beach camping anywhere in Australia. I love kicking back in a camp chair with a glass of wine, preferably by a fire, with the ocean in the background as the sun goes down. Switching off in the arts industry can be difficult at times, however when I’m camping I find it super easy to ‘unplug’ and recharge myself instead of my devices.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
This depends on where we are. My family and I have been touring with shows for the last 9 months throughout Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. While most of our visitors are partial to a winery visit… or two, we occasionally get along to the local zoos, aquariums, parks and other attractions unique to the city we are in. As we are only in each city for 2-3 months, it’s easy to play tourist.
What are you currently reading?
I’m not the only storyteller in my family. Trevor Douglas, my dad, is a crime fiction author and I’m currently reading his latest novel Hot & Cold. Book number 6 in a series that follows a young female detective. I love a good nail-biting page turner, and the fact that what I’m reading is usually written by my Dad makes it all the more special.
What are you currently listening to?
You mean when I’m not listening to show scores? My Spotify wrapped shows the best of The Wiggles and my dear friend Laura Dawson’s kids band The Beanies. However when my wonderful 2 year old daughter relinquishes control of the music in the car; I love an eclectic mix from Italian arias, German lieder music to the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, Queen; all the way through to Eminem, Ed Sheeran and Thirsty Merc.
Happiness Is?
For me, spending time with the ones who mean the most to you and sharing good experiences and making memories paired with good food and great wines. I also find great happiness in sharing my passions; collecting wines, motorsport, gaming and seeing the enjoyment in friends when they connect with them.
What does the future hold for you?
My hopes are to tick off a few more stories on stage in some mainstage touring productions and potentially take my abilities overseas if possible. For the short term I’ve got my hands full with West Side Story and Sunset Boulevard for 2024, and I couldn’t be happier.
Billy stars as Tony in Opera Australia’s production of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour – which plays at the Fleet Steps – Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, from 22 March 2024.
Image: Billy Bourchier – courtesy of Opera Australia