Who is Georgina Hopson?
I am a musical theatre performer currently playing the role of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of The Opera on Sydney Harbour. But I’m also a dog mum, a music lover, a nature enthusiast, a Grand Designs fan, and a small town gal from Queensland who loves a drink at the pub.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Career-wise, probably nothing. I tried doing a business degree back in the day, and also tried a speech pathology degree, but neither of them stuck. I really couldn’t keep away from performing – it is my life’s passion, and I love what I do so much. I’ve also discovered a passion for singing teaching in the last few years, which is a very rewarding job as well. Maybe the only thing I would do differently is magically be able to afford a house on the beach? But I don’t like to live my life with regrets or “what ifs” – I’m really happy with where I am on my journey.
Who inspires you and why?
A multitude of people! My friends inspire me with their resilience, strength, joy, humour, authenticity and generosity. And a lot of strong women inspire me, people who aren’t afraid to use their voice, to be brave, to be activists, and who aren’t afraid to be driven and successful. People who don’t feel the need to shrink themselves to fit into the patriarchy’s ideal of this world. People like Grace Tame, Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand, Jane Fonda, Kamala Harris, Clementine Ford, Malala, Emma Thompson, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Maya Rudolph, Sierra Boggess, Eva Noblezada… and the list goes on! Also, Celine Dion, cos she’s camp and I just love her.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I try every day to act with integrity and follow through on what I say I stand by. I believe that lots of people doing lots of little things is what makes the biggest difference. I care for the planet, and make conscious decisions in my daily life to do my part to help stop climate change. I can’t magically make the world a more peaceful place but I can work towards fostering a more inclusive theatre industry in Australia, and I do that by any means I can, and I use my voice wherever I can help speak up and speak out about things.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York City, because it is the most vibrant and exciting city, that also weirdly feels like home whenever I go there, and the shows on Broadway there are the pinnacle of the theatre industry. But on the total flipside to that – Stradbroke Island in Queensland because it is a beautiful, quiet, peaceful, secluded beach destination that holds a great deal of nostalgia for me, and it is my happy place!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Down the road to Coogee Beach – my local, and my favourite! And then out for brunch at one of the multitude of incredible cafes Sydney has to offer. Maybe Bill’s because it has the best ricotta hotcakes I’ve ever tasted!
What are you currently reading?
I’m actually reading The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, as research for the show, and it’s been very informative, but also a great read!
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been obsessively listening to an artist called Emily King, which a friend introduced me to recently – all her songs are amazing and her voice is exquisite.
Happiness is?
Gratitude. Finding things to be grateful for each day. It’s also finding time in my day to recharge my soul – be that with a cup of coffee, a yoga class, a beach walk, a laugh with friends, a glass of wine, and a boogie and a sing to an ABBA song.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m not sure yet – I guess that’s the beauty of it! Hopefully owning that beach house I’ve always dreamed of. Or a job on Broadway. Gotta put some big dreams out there in the universe!
Georgina stars as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera – Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Fleet Steps – Mrs Macquaries Point from Friday 25 March – 24 April 2022. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Georgina Hopson (supplied)