On the Couch with Esther Hannaford

Esther Hannaford oncWho is Esther Hannaford?
My name is Esther and I’m a singer, actor who lives in Melbourne. I love music, comedy, laughing at the absurd moments in life and feel happiest in nature or with my family and close friends.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I can put a lot of pressure on my self at work – I think I could afford to cut myself a bit of slack.

Who inspires you and why?
People who can generously stay open and present to life and love regardless of the adversities they’ve faced. Older people who aren’t too old to learn new tricks.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Be the change I seek.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Europe for travel, in particular Berlin – The Arts, the history, the people. For a sit on a beach and read a book holiday I love Bingin in Bali.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
The Abbotsford Convent because of the beautiful buildings and gardens. Perfect for a picnic. I also love seeing the animals at the farm.

What are you currently reading?
The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin

What are you currently listening to?
Vulnicura by Bjork

Happiness is?
A dog. Or many dogs.

What does the future hold for you?
After The Three Mikados I’m releasing my first EP then I’ll be working on Nice Work If You Can Get for The Production Company and The Last Man Standing for the MTC.

Esther Hannaford’s performance in King Kong: The Musical earned her a Green Room Award for Best Leading Actress and a Helpmann Award nomination.  More recently Esther appeared in the Nick Enright musical, Miracle City. Other theatre credits include Hairspray, Hair, The Boyfriend, Once We Lived Here, Mamma Mia! and Burn The Floor.

Esther picked up the Green Room Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Amy in Once We Lived Here, and both a Green Room and Helpmann Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Penny in Hairspray.

Esther is currently appearing in The Three Mikados in The Famous Spiegeltent – Arts Centre Melbourne until 19 April 2015. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.

Image: Esther Hannaford