Who is Karla Hillam?
I am an actress and singer who has appeared on hit TV shows such as Offspring, Wentworth and The Warriors. I’m a regular performer with JTM Productions touring Australia in Practically Perfect: The Music of Julie Andrews and Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. I premiered my cabaret Ugly Duckling at Melbourne Fringe Festival and appeared as Catherine in The Memory of Water at Chapel off Chapel.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Brush my teeth and wash my face straight after dinner instead of waiting til bedtime, coz once I’m all relaxed and sleepy I can never be bothered!
Who inspires you and why?
My friends, I’m so lucky to have a bunch of mates who support and encourage each other to try, fail, go big and give it everything. Also women like Rose Byrne and Sarah Kendall who make great stories and take big swings with the roles they play. I love that.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Tell more stories. I believe stories help people to better understand each other and build empathy
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hoi An, Vietnam – it has everything I love in a holiday. The locals are so friendly and welcoming. You can lay under the shade of an umbrella on the beach all day. Then you can enjoy the delicious food, history, sights and shopping for handmade items by night.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I take them to Comedy Republic because there is always a smorgasbord of top talent and spectacular up and comers whenever you go there. And the bar area is also gorgeous for a quick bevvy or ten!
What are you currently reading?
FICTION: All our Shimmering Skies – Trent Dalton
NON-FICTION: Human kind; A hopeful history – Rutger Bregman
What are you currently listening to?
Never by local Melbourne artist Sidney Rose
Happiness is?
Laughing and having fun with loved ones. Also bringing joy to others when I perform, you can’t beat it.
What does the future hold for you?
Well THAT is the big question! Hopefully we can do some more live performances this year and get out and enjoy this beautiful city. I have a web series called Nobody’s Business coming out later in the year and I am hoping to move house soon. Aside from that it’s an exciting mystery yet to be revealed.
Karla stars as Miss Nightingale in Sex, Lies & Betrayal – Memoirs of a Hollywood Star at Tusk High Bar, Windsor: 13 – 21 January 2022. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com or www.nicholasgentilemusic.com for details.
Image: Karla Hillam (supplied)