Who is Melanie Hawkins?
A showgirl! Most of my working life has been spent on the stages of theatres around the country and beyond in many different musical theatre productions and cabarets. A shape shifter if you will of different styles and eras. I sing, act and choreograph but I am a dancer first and foremost.
These days I would also say I am a creative. I love the creative process of making a performance piece. It truly lights me up! I feel most myself when I live in that creative space. That flow state. It covers everything on and off the stage. I enjoy feeling creative in my everyday life. When I cook. When I put an outfit together. When I wrap a present for a friend.
When I curate a playlist for a social occasion or light a specific scent of incense to set a tone. It’s all creative in life and in work. Something that came up for me during the pandemic was the question ‘who am I if I’m not a performer?!?’ It was not a fun thing to consider cause I truly can’t imagine being anything else.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve never had a grass is greener… mentality. I honestly think with all the wonderful things and all the hard things that I’ve gone through in my life, I wouldn’t change much. I still wake up each day feeling so grateful for the life I’ve chosen to live and most of that gratitude is for my freedom. But in another life… maybe I’d live somewhere right on the beach, own a doggo, run a vintage store and teach yoga.
Who inspires you and why?
Honestly it’s other artists in my industry, many of which are my friends. I feel so inspired watching people at the top of their game express themselves fully on stage. After many years of performing, I can still get stuck in my head and doubt myself and my gift. At times it can be a real challenge to move through feelings of self doubt and feeling like I have nothing important or unique to give.
It can be hard to get out of that headspace and looking out to other performers in the industry has always been a life line for me in this sense. Whether it’s just seeing peoples content on Instagram or witnessing it live on stage, watching them shine is a beautiful reminder to just do MY thing. Also, all my friends who are working full time and are parents of small children. Like how do they do it?!?
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
There are so many things that I could do for the world, it is definitely something that my overwhelms my little brain sometimes. But I will say that I always come back to that belief that what I am currently doing, being, is the best way I personally can make a difference.
Being an artist, specifically in live performance, has so much importance in the state of society. Creating art and performing it IN THE FLESH. Being part of the gathering of people to share stories and express oneself. Not through a screen, not with AI. It just feels very important right now. Reminding people why seeing a piece of live performance is like no other experience. It’s special. It just exists in that moment and the feelings from that experience can live inside you long after.
Hopefully inspiring you in days, weeks, months or years to come. It’s the only thing I really know how to do and I’m so grateful that I get to do it. I think, I hope, as the world goes through huge changes, especially in the world of tech, that humans will begin to crave live experiences even more.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Mexico. It has so many different vibes. The bustling, exciting energy of Mexico City, filled with incredible bars, restaurants and the most beautiful boutiques. Oaxaca for the best Mezcal, markets and molé. Tulum for the stunning beaches, ruins and cenotes. And if you wanna party, spend a weekend in Cancun. It has everything.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
First we’ll grab a quick coffee and a delicious treat from ‘Baker Bleu’ in Cremorne. Then to ‘Sense of Self’ in Collingwood for a mineral spa, cold plunge, sauna situation.
Then probably to a cool bar for afternoon drinks and an oyster or six. Something like ‘Gracie’s Wine Room’. Cool fit out, great background beats and a fresh wine selection. There’s always something new and fun to try there.
And then… tickets to come see me in Blanc de Blanc Encore at the Melbourne Spiegel Haus right in the centre of the CBD. This show is so special & to finally be doing it here in Melbourne, well it just feels right! Pop a bottle of champagne and prepare to be thoroughly entertained for the night.
What are you currently reading? ‘
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin and Want by Gillian Anderson.
What are you currently listening to?
Olivia Dean, DON WEST, Sombr, King Princess, Amber Mark to name a few. Also Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang.
Happiness is?
Performing to a warm crowd. Sharing a drink and a giggle with a friend. Pretty flowers on a sunny walk. A matcha with coconut milk. Foot massages. A fresh fringe trim. Afternoons dancing in the kitchen. A cheeky smirk from a stranger. Feeling cute in your outfit. Morning ocean dips. Discovering new music.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully love. A partner to share all the journeys of life with. More new connections with other artists to collaborate and create together. Especially people from different walks of life to mine. Becoming a DJ. Currently working on this one. Watch this space…
Melanie can be seen in Blanc de Blanc Encore – which will be presented at Spiegel Haus Melbourne from 29 October 2025. For more information, visit: www.strutnfret.com for details.
Image: Melanie Hawkins (supplied)