Who is Helen Dallimore?
An actress, singer, director, single mum, and eternal optimist.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would have a real job that pays me proper money – so I could own a home in Joe Hockey’s Alternate Universe.
Who inspires you and why?
My mother inspires me not to be an arsehole, which is my default position. Tina Fey inspires me that, despite popular belief, a woman can be hilarious, clever and ragingly successful. Cate Blanchett inspires me to be an international movie star – with, so far, limited results.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
My plan is to raise a son who is kind, compassionate, resourceful and wise. I reckon that’s probably the best thing I can put into the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I really like Palm Cove. It’s peaceful, beautiful, there’s good food and not much to do but read, swim and lie down. If price was no object I would like a Greek Island cruise, please.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I would bring them to Blood Brothers followed by supper in St Kilda, so many fab food choices on our doorstep at The Alex. I’m going to need bigger costumes.
What are you currently reading?
Yes Please by Amy Poehler. I want to be her when I grow up. With a four year old at home I don’t get much reading time. I hope to finish it this year.
What are you currently listening to?
Barbara Dickson singing the Blood Brothers soundtrack. Swatting back up on my songs.
Happiness is?
Right here, right now. If you chase it, you’ll never catch it.
What does the future hold for you?
With any luck I will be catapulted to mega-stardom, make squillions of dosh which I’ll share with all my loved ones in a bacchic frenzy. Or I’ll just have a lovely happy, long life, watching my son grow up and scraping a living doing what I love. Either would be just fine.
Helen Dallimore is a graduate of The National Institute of Dramatic Art and a highly acclaimed performer of stage and screen in both Australia and the UK, where she is renowned for creating the role of Glinda in the original West End cast of Wicked, opposite Idina Menzel. Her other musical theatre credits include Into the Woods and Too Close to the Sun, both in London and Legally Blonde: The Musical, Spring Awakening and The Republic Of Myopia here in Australia.
Her other theatre credits include Daylight Saving for Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Tartuffe for Bell Shakespeare, Cruise Control for The Ensemble and many productions for Sydney Theatre Company, such as Harbour, Up For Grabs, Hanging Man, The Unlikely Prospect of Happiness, Pentecost and The Wharf Revue.
Helen is well known for her work on screen, in the feature films Body in the Yard, Mother’s Milk, Mr Accident, The Extra, Tempe Tip, The Sugar Factory and Russian Doll. She has also worked extensively on the small screen starring in the TV movies, Secret Bridesmaid’s Business, The Day of the Roses and Postcard Bandit.
Recent guest appearances have included Wonderland, House Husbands, The Moodys, The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting, A Moody Christmas, Laid, In Your Dreams, Home and Away, Rescue Special Ops, Double Take, Chandon Pictures, Little Oberon, All Saints, Pacific Drive, GP, Water Rats and the British series Midsomer Murders. She also appeared in US telemovies South Pacific and The Three Stooges.
Helen won the 2013 Helpmann Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Legally Blonde, and is also a director and coaches actors for auditions.
Helen will be appearing in Blood Brothers at The Alex Theatre, St. Kilda in a limited season from 21 July 2015. For more information, visit: www.bloodbrothersthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Helen Dallimore – photo by John McRae