Who is Henny Walters?
Henny Walters is, first and foremost, a great lover of writing about herself in third person. She grew up in Adelaide, where she briefly studied Law before moving to Melbourne to study Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I couldn’t be an actor, I’d probably be off winning flags for an AFL team somewhere. Or at least being a Water Carrier for one.
Who inspires you and why?
I feel very privileged to go to rehearsals everyday and witness some brilliant creatives in their element. Everyone brings such a rich wealth of experience and knowledge. I can’t help but to be inspired by their freedom, commitment and fearlessness.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Conscious consumption. Keeping that firmly forefront of mind around festive season. I never usually need an excuse to hit the Op Shops, but it’s quite staggering that there’s enough clothing on the planet to clothe the next six generations.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I recently visited Rieux-Volvestre, a small town near Toulouse, where I made local friends and ate an extraordinary amount of butter. It was such a special little pocket of time. One of these new friends gave me her personal copy of her favourite play, and once I learn enough French to read it, I can’t wait to visit the town again.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’ve lived here for years now and still feel like a bit of a tourist myself. Maybe start with my favourite coffee haunts, and when we’re all caffeinated and bouncing off the walls, maybe some Shakespeare in the Park. I have heard the Australian Shakespeare Company is doing Twelfth Night, which ought to be a riot.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just finished A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys weeping uncontrollably and having their heart strings violently yanked. When I’ve somewhat recovered from that book, I’ll be cracking open She Speaks!: What Shakespeare’s Women Might Have Said by Harriet Walter.
What are you currently listening to?
A healthy mix of Joni Mitchell and Caroline Polachek. Or my trusty podcast rotation: Amy Poehler, Bill Nighy and Hamish & Andy.
Happiness is?
A little easier to come by when I’m practicing gratitude.
What does the future hold for you?
My horoscope tells me ‘good and important changes’, which is thankfully vague enough to be comforting. I’m looking forward to embracing all the weird and wonderful times to come!
Henny stars as Fabian in Australian Shakespeare Company’s production of Twelfth Night – which plays Melbourne’s Australian Shakespeare Company from 24 January – 28 February 2026. For more information, visit: www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: Henny Walters (supplied)