Who is Chelsea Plumley?
I am a musical theatre and cabaret performer, musician, musical director, host, producer, playwright, teacher, and television actor. I am a mother of two boys, Flynn 15 and Beau 12, and married to James Roche – APRA Award-Winning Producer and Artist with Australian Pop Duo, Bachelor Girl. I love zombies, sci-fi/fantasy, crosswords, salsa dancing, table tennis, mowing and a nice pot of tea whilst playing a game at the kitchen table over lunch with my hubby.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do since I was 5 years of age but if I had to choose something else, it would involve helping others. During covid, I googled how to become a Paramedic and how to obtain my teaching degree. I went on tour with Mary Poppins instead.
Who inspires you and why?
My mother works as a palliative care nurse, and my sister is a midwife. I love that one deals with the opening show of life and the other, the closing of it. They make a huge difference to the people they encounter. Their stories remind me how fragile and unexpected life can be and how important it is to be of service to your community.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
When my eldest son was young, he had a school project that asked essentially the same question but in the context of ‘If I was Australia’s Prime Minister’. My answer was immediate. I would make it compulsory for everyone to participate in at least two hours of volunteer work each week. You learn so much helping others and what some people may not realise is that you get so much more in return for being of service to others.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Paris. I spent 3 months learning French there in 2011. C’était magnifique! For that trip, my husband and I chose not to take the Metro as we wanted to experience the ‘village’ life. We shopped locally in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and we walked everywhere with our one-year-old son in the pram or on James’ shoulders.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I just met my British half-uncle for the first time recently and I took him to the Botanical Gardens for the glorious colours, view of the city from the top of the cactus garden and the morning tea by the lake.
What are you currently reading?
My script! I used to be a voracious reader growing up and consumed a ridiculous number of Mills and Boons Romance novels, but I read mostly sci-fi/fantasy/self-help and the odd airport crime novel.
What are you currently listening to?
I love all genres of music. I’ve been revisiting the Christmas film soundtrack of Spirited, interspersed with modern country for the storytelling and easy listening feeling, Benson Boone for the Rock God vibes, Bee Gees for the smile they put on my face and the groove in my step, and Golden to sing out loud and proud with.
Happiness is?
Being with family and friends, eating good food with an apple cider or coke, Cadbury’s peppermint chocolate and playing games.
What does the future hold for you?
I have dream roles I’d love to play, writing/creative projects in the pipeline and destinations to explore. But whilst those things hold some importance to me, it’s watching my boys become adults and venture into the world that is the most exciting future adventure for me. Maybe, just maybe, I might become a grandparent. I like the idea of laying on my deathbed, nails, hair and makeup done, my hands held by my boys, the soundtrack of Out Of Africa playing, and smiling my way out of this life surrounded by love and music.
Chelsea stars as Flo Manero in Drew Anthony Creative’s production of Saturday Night Fever – which will be presented at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 8 – 25 January 2026. For more information, visit: www.drewanthonycreative.com.au for details.
Image: Chelsea Plumley (supplied)