On the Couch with Chelsea Plumley

Chelsea PlumleyWho is Chelsea Plumley?
I am a singer, actor, musician, comedienne, writer and teacher.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Career and family-wise, I am content at this time of my life. The list of things I wish I did every day (but don’t) is long and varied; meditation, yoga, journal entries, write my next TV project, cook new healthy recipes for the kids and to practise being present – all day.

Who inspires you and why?
My husband inspires me. He works tirelessly to look after his family. He is kind, honourable and loving. Nelson Mandela, without a doubt, was an extraordinary gentleman and his grace and nobility was and continues to be an inspiration.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Do something kind for someone else every single day. Volunteer for organisations that touch, move and inspire me. Raise ‘aware’ children who will make a difference in the world by who they are being and through the actions they take.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
France. I am a Francophile. I love the food, language and art.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Acland Street, St Kilda for the cake shops. Southbank for the view of the Yarra and city. Botanical Gardens for a lovely walk and scones at the tea house. Dandenong Ranges for a hike. Chapel Street and Chadstone Shopping Centre to simply gawk at the unbelievable amount of shops.

What are you currently reading?
Rarely read nowadays with two young boys. However, I do happen to be reading, How To Raise A Spirited Child at the moment for some divine inspiration. Oh, and read some Damon Runyon short stories for Guys & Dolls research.

What are you currently listening to?
Lots of music from the seventies and eighties that influenced me as a child. I’m compiling a play list for a big birthday I have coming up.

Happiness is?
Pancake Sunday every week with my husband and sons. Soy, spelt pancakes with maple syrup, dark brown sugar and cream, accompanied by a soy latte. The Barbara Streisand/Bee Gees Guilty album playing in the background and warm cuddles post pancakes from all of my boys…and if there’s a chance to – a quick crossword, sudoku and word puzzle.

What does the future hold for you?
Here’s my wish list: Yearly international travel. My TV project being filmed. Work in Television, Cabaret and Musicals. And in reality: Continued lobbying for an Australian government that I can be proud of. Continued volunteer work with Asylum Seeker organisations. The ongoing task of raising children which ultimately, for me, is my priority.

Chelsea Plumley is a multi-talented award-winning stage, cabaret and television actor. Her musical theatre credits include Company, Grease, Breast Wishes, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sunset Boulevard, Life’s A Circus, Kismet, Promises Promises and Blood Brothers.

Her first cabaret show Chelsea Plumley In Concert debuted at the Sydney Opera House in 2000. New York followed with rave reviews and a 5-city tour of India. In 2003, after hosting and starring in the Sydney Cabaret Convention, Chelsea toured Live & Luscious and received a GLUG award for “Most Versatile Performance”.

Whilst based in London Chelsea performed and hosted cabaret evenings, moonlighted as the West End correspondent for Australian radio program Broadway @ Bedtime, appeared in the short film Angel and played piano in London’s top hotels including the Ritz, the Dorchester and the Millennium Mayfair.

Chelsea appeared as Rachel in Channel Ten’s Offspring and Queen of the Fairies in Channel 9’s children’s television program, Magical Tales. More recently she performed as guest accompanist on the series I Will Survive.

Chelsea will be appearing in The Production Company’s Guys & Dolls at Arts Centre Melbourne from 19 July. For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.

Image: Chelsea Plumley