On the Couch with Hannah Fredericksen

Hannah Fredericksen Arts Review On the CouchWho is Hannah Fredericksen?
A Brisbane born 5’4 actor, singer, mediocre guitar player, bee phobic, traveller, french bulldog enthusiast and homewares magazine addict.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Well right now I am performing in Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical, so I wouldn’t change a thing! But when I am not in work and I am waiting tables, which unfortunately for most actors is more frequently than we would like, I certainly wish I was being paid to do what I love and not make coffees.

Who inspires you and why?
My parents. They are YES people. At 58 (my mum will kill me for exposing her age – she certainly doesn’t look it!), they are still signing up for guitar lessons, dance classes, African drumming lessons or learning to stand up paddle board. They go on hikes all around the world and are always interested in hearing everyone’s story. They never judge. They’re also still completely in love with each other after 34 years of marriage.

What would you do make a difference in the world?
Oh gosh, where do you begin? I’d love to be a part of making sure that every child has the opportunity to be exposed to art. In the words of the late Alan Rickman: Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theatre, a piece of music or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love going to my parents place in Kingscliff NSW. When my brother, sister and I all moved out (and moved states!) they decided to sell our family home in Brisbane and move to the beach. It’s a gorgeous small, seaside town surrounded my the hinterlands with just the right balance of busy and quiet. It’s also less than an hours drive from beautiful Byron Bay or adorable Mullumbimby. The service there is also impeccable -­? I get cooked for and my washing miraculously gets done!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them too and why?
Okay, I’m deciding these friends are visiting on a Sunday in summer. In Melbourne you must always start with brunch, always. Perhaps at ‘Top Paddock’ followed by a visit to Camberwell markets for fresh flowers, insane bric-­a-­brac and the cheapest vintage clothing I have found. A burger and a beer overlooking the city at ‘Rooftop Bar’ for lunch and a stroll through Flinders Lane for some high end window shopping (or legitimate shopping if you can afford it -­ lucky you!). Finish off the day with a gin and tonic and some delicious Asian fusion food at ‘Captain Baxter’ overlooking the ocean at St Kilda.

What are you currently reading?
I recently read The Dry by Jane Harper in one sitting and then peer pressured so many friends to buy it. I can not stress how good it is.

What are you currently listening to?
I’m not going to lie; there has been a lot of Bobby Darin in recent weeks. But most recently I have been treating my ears to Australian artist Ben Abraham’s album, Sirens.

Happiness is?
Being at home in St Kilda with my partner Connor and our French bulldog Dudley. Connor is an actor too so in the past twelve months we have had one month at home in Melbourne together. Yes, Dudley is the most well travelled dog ever.

What does the future hold for you?
I have absolutely no idea. I think that’s what makes being a performer equal parts exciting and terrifying. I can’t tell you what I’ll be doing in two months let alone two years! But I hope there is plenty of adventure.

Hannah is currently performing in Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until 13 November 2016. For more information, visit: www.dreamlover.com.au for details.

Image: Hannah Fredericksen