Who is Danny Whitehead?
In work terms I am an actor who has recently relocated to Australia having spent the last 12 years performing in London’s West End. Recent credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Wicked, Sweeney Todd, South Pacific, Passion, Secret Garden and Blood Brothers.
But the first thing I always associate this question with is where I’m from. I think growing up in the North of England shaped me massively into who I am today and is a big part of my identity. So, who is Danny Whitehead? I’d say “A Northerner”.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I remember when I was a kid, I always wanted to be a Prison warden, and then in turn wanting to be a Policeman. But, now more than ever, I think they have such a difficult job and I have huge respect for what they do. My pipe dream has always been to set up a coffee shop with an outreach arts space attached to it. So, if I wasn’t performing (and if I won the lottery) that’s what I’d like to think I’d be doing.
Who inspires you and why?
My Parents. I think if you asked this question to any of my 3 younger brothers they would also give the same answer, which I think is huge testament to who they are and how they have raised us. They have a relationship which the four of us all aspire to have, and you can’t ask for anything more than loving, supportive parents – we hit the jackpot!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d love to find a way to bring more empathy back into society – I feel we have lost that over the last decade or so. The world can be so polarised and divisive, and we seem to have lost any middle ground. Life is tough and we have been pushed towards thinking that it’s dog eat dog. Not sure how I’d do it, but encouraging more empathy in society would be my aim.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
When we were kids, and still now, we always go down to Teignmouth in Devon. As soon as you drive in and you see the Teignmouth road sign your shoulders drop and immediately you feel relaxed. There’s nothing better than sitting on the back beach with an ice cold beer whilst the sun sets.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d take them down to the Great Ocean Road. It’s the first thing I did when my parents came out to visit – Beautiful beaches, an amazing drive and to see all the wildlife was incredible. As we returned back to the city we finished the trip by having an evening drink on the river as the city lights came on – can’t beat it!
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently sitting with my Carousel script open, which has been my main source of reading for the last couple of weeks. But I’m trying to sneak in the odd moment to finish In Memoriam by Alice Winn – it’s brilliant and I would highly recommend it. I’d also love to turn it into a Musical!
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening a lot to Ben Platt’s new album Honeymind. His voice and his lyrics are the perfect soundtrack to a chilled Sunday evening… and going back to question 3 – His song, In case you don’t live forever (one of his older ones), is a perfect example of his songwriting talents and how I connect to his lyrics.
Happiness is?
Being surrounded by the people you love.
What does the future hold for you?
I am loving life in Australia. It’s been an exciting new adventure for my partner and I, and we are having a blast. I am really excited to be making my Australian debut with this brilliant production of Carousel and I look forward to exploring more of the country, and hopefully getting more opportunities to perform at some of the beautiful theatres here. Who knows what lies ahead – but that’s what’s exciting!
Danny stars as Billy Bigelow in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL A Concert – which will be presented at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre on 7 & 8 September 2024. For more information, visit: www.carouselconcert.com for details.
Image: Danny Whitehead (supplied)