Who is Michelle Nightingale?
I am never comfortable with this question because I am exactly what you see and get. I love people, I love performing, I love being able to give to others. Nuts and bolts, I am most at home when I sing, I indulge in what it brings out in me – the emotion, the story-telling and the impact both on myself and for others. It is such a deep sense of satisfaction. I don’t do it enough.
Over time this has crossed over into acting and other forms of performance. On the absolute flip side, I am also a finance/mortgage broker which seems like a weird combination, but it still has that element of affecting people’s lives and perspectives. It also means that it is two different parts of my brain which makes it so much easier to switch from one to the other – there isn’t much cross-over.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I had many opportunities presented to me when I was much younger that due to self-confidence, belief and fear, I passed over or never took the risk to see what I could achieve as a performer. I wish I could go back and at least explore what could have been but in saying that I have a very rich life – I get to perform, serve others and the icing on the cake, I have a wonderful family.
Who inspires you and why?
There is no specific person here as there has been so many people over my life who has inspired me – even the unlikeliest of people have inspired me at different times. Back when I was teaching, listening to young people, with all their honesty, naivety and freshness was inspiring to see and hear. Gosh, there are many instances where a word, a sentence, an action has struck a chord and made me reflect.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Get everyone to listen more, not just hear what is being said but truly to take time to stop, listen and understand. People want the chance to be heard, to be acknowledged and from there, respect will grow and we may even learn something.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love Italy, specifically the small villages where lifestyle is paramount. Balance of work, life and leisure have been a way of life for centuries. Keep it simple and real.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Where do you start with this question! It depends on what they like – if you want good food and wine – the list is endless – if you want to go to live theatre – the list is endless – if you want a sporting event or even some amazing scenery – the list is endless.
What are you currently reading?
This character and the last character I played, were complex and consumed much of my mind and heart so I have been reading Tina Fey’s book called Bossypants, it has provided some much-needed light relief, a beautiful counterpoint to the current character.
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to whatever mood I am in – sometimes I want to sing along so I find music that I can belt out the tune, other times, the music I listen to is reflective to either how I am feeling or to take my emotions and mood to be taken elsewhere.
Happiness is?
My husband and adult children, my home, my close friends – the memories we have made, the adventures we have, the joys and heartbreaks that we share and the possibilities to come.
What does the future hold for you?
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare form of Leukaemia, up until that point I always had a plan, although a relatively loose idea of what my future would be. When something like that is thrown at you, all the plans in the world mean nothing and you gain a perspective on what is important now and for your future.
My perspective is now somewhat different – life will you throw you challenges and opportunities, sometimes when you feel ready and sometimes when you think you can’t handle anymore, sometimes when the timing doesn’t feel right or you question the circumstances.
It is about being open to considering it all, talking through the options and allowing yourself to innately respond to each of these challenges or opportunities. That sounds easy but it isn’t. I just think that if I am still here then there is a purpose to why and that there is still too much to do, to experience, to be a part of!
Michelle stars as Professor Bella Baird in Adam Rapp’s The Sound Inside – which is currently playing at Adelaide’s Holden Street Theatres until 29 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.holdenstreettheatres.com for details.
Image: Michelle Nightingale (supplied)