Ashlee Hammerin || Managing Director – Eleonore Entertainment Australia

The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible performer Ashlee Hammerin, who is also now the Managing Director, of the much anticipated Australian branch of Cruiseline Entertainment agency, Eleonore Entertainment. Their Australian Launch Event will be held at Viva Melbourne on Monday 2 December at 8pm.

Eleonore Entertainment is an international agency that represents Guest Entertainers on the world’s biggest cruise lines, while also producing our own in-house acts. We are thrilled to officially kick off our operations in Melbourne with a special performance and will serve as a celebration of our launch, as well as an opportunity to capture performance footage of our in-house produced groups.

The talented performers include the groups Duchess, Maverick, and Park Avenue, alongside solo performances by Bradley J Oakman and Stephen Mahy, and a duet by Stephen Mahy & Teagan Wouters. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night!

We sat down with Ashlee Hammerin, the brand-new Managing Director of the innovative new Australian office for cruiseline agency, Eleonore Entertainment. She talked about the exciting Melbourne Launch this Monday, her unique perspective of advocating for performers as a performer herself, what she hopes to achieve for the future opportunities for Aussie creatives and more.

Ashlee, welcome to The Fame Reporter, Eleonore Entertainment has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry with its international presence, representing over 200 performers. Could you share the story behind how the agency started and the vision that drives its global success?
Thank you so much for having me! Eleonore Entertainment was founded by Esri Dijkstra in the Netherlands, and her journey is truly inspiring. Esri began as a performer herself, with nearly 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry.

In 2016, she decided to take her passion to the next level, shifting her focus to creating high-quality performances specifically tailored for cruise lines. Her productions quickly gained attention, with several becoming highly successful.

When one of her shows wasn’t picked up by a major agency, Esri turned that setback into an opportunity—and Eleonore Entertainment was born. What started as a bold idea has grown into a global powerhouse, thanks to her vision and the partnership with her equally talented sister, Lynn.

Today, we’re proud to have offices in Sweden and the Netherlands, and we’re thrilled to now be bringing Eleonore Entertainment to Australia. It’s an exciting new chapter for us!

With the agency’s recent expansion into Australia, what are your primary goals and objectives as you oversee operations here? What excites you the most about this new chapter?
I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities Eleonore Entertainment can bring to Australian performers.

Our industry here can be challenging, with limited opportunities for artists to showcase their talents, so being able to create more pathways for performers is something I’m truly passionate about.

One of our main goals is to connect homegrown talent with major opportunities, particularly on the incredible ships that sail through this region. These stages offer an amazing platform for Australian artists to shine, and knowing that Eleonore Entertainment can help make that happen is hugely rewarding.

What excites me the most about this expansion is the chance to discover and work with some of the best and brightest talent Australia has to offer.

This isn’t just about providing jobs—it’s about elevating our performers, celebrating their craft, and showcasing their artistry to audiences across the world.

It’s a thrilling new chapter, and I’m honoured to be part of it.

The launch event in Melbourne is coming up soon, and it’s a huge milestone for Eleonore Entertainment in Australia. Can you give us a sneak peek into what audiences can expect from the performances and how this event fits into your larger vision for the company?
The launch event in Melbourne is a huge moment for Eleonore Entertainment, and we’re beyond excited to share it with everyone. Audiences can expect a dazzling showcase of our brand-new in-house productions—these are performances crafted with care, creativity, and an unmistakable wow factor.

The launch event in Melbourne all about giving a glimpse of the extraordinary entertainment we’re bringing to cruise lines and beyond.

This event isn’t just a milestone; it’s a celebration of what we stand for as a company— pushing boundaries, elevating talent, and delivering unforgettable experiences. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to capture performance footage, giving us the tools to highlight the incredible artistry of our performers on a global stage.

More than anything, the night is a statement of what’s to come. It’s about setting the tone for our vision in Australia—supporting homegrown talent, producing world-class entertainment, and connecting audiences with something truly special. We can’t wait to see how it all comes to life!

As a performer yourself, how does your experience on stage influence your approach to managing the agency? Do you feel it gives you a unique perspective on the needs of the artists you represent?
Absolutely—it’s one of the things I value most about my role. Both Esri and I come from performing backgrounds, and that shared experience gives us a deep understanding of what it means to be an artist. We know firsthand the highs and lows, the challenges, and the incredible joy that comes with being on stage.

That perspective is at the heart of how we approach managing the agency. We strive to create an environment where our artists feel truly seen, valued, and supported—because we know how much that means. Every decision we make is guided by a simple question: How would we have wanted to be treated in this situation?

Having walked in their shoes, we’re not just agents; we’re advocates. We aim to provide the opportunities, respect, and encouragement that we once wished for ourselves.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to take what we’ve learned and use it to empower the next generation of performers.

The cruise entertainment industry is highly competitive. What do you think sets Eleonore Entertainment apart from other agencies in terms of the talent you represent and the services you provide to clients?
What truly sets Eleonore Entertainment apart is the depth of experience and passion that Esri and I bring to the table. Having both started our careers in production casts and later stepping into creative roles on board, we understand the cruise entertainment industry inside and out.

This hands-on experience shapes everything we do—from the way we select and support our talent to the innovative shows we create.

The performers we represent are nothing short of exceptional. We carefully cast individuals who bring not just technical skill but also a dynamic presence and energy that captivate audiences. And when it comes to our productions, we’re taking cruise entertainment to the next level.

Our shows are designed for the modern cruise clientele— still tailored to their tastes but infused with fresh, contemporary elements that feel new and exciting.

At Eleonore Entertainment, it’s not just about meeting expectations; it’s about exceeding them. We deliver high-quality performances that leave a lasting impression, and that’s what keeps us a step ahead in this competitive industry.

You mentioned that the journey with Eleonore Entertainment is an “incredible” one for you personally. Could you share a moment or accomplishment so far that has been particularly meaningful to you?
One of the most meaningful moments in my journey with Eleonore Entertainment was when Esri approached me with this opportunity. After going on maternity leave and having my son, Leo, I found myself wondering if I could ever return to the performing industry as a full-time mum. The challenges of balancing motherhood with a career in entertainment felt overwhelming at times.

When Esri offered me the chance to not only manage the Australian office but also continue performing, it felt like the perfect blend of everything I love.

This opportunity gave me a way to work from home, be present for my son, and still be part of this incredible industry.

What’s made this experience even more special is how collaborative it’s been. From brainstorming group concepts and names to choosing songs and costumes, Esri, Lynn and I have built this vision together every step of the way.

It’s been an exciting, creative process that has reignited my passion for performing while allowing me to create something entirely new. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey, and I cherish every minute of it.

Balancing your role as Managing Director, a performer, and a mother must keep you on your toes! What’s your secret to staying energised and focused throughout such a busy schedule?Haha, yes! It definitely keeps me on my toes. Being a mum is by far the hardest role I’ve taken on, but it’s also the most rewarding and I’ve definitely learned to survive on a lot less sleep!

Honestly, I couldn’t do it without the incredible support network I have around me. My family and friends have been absolutely amazing. I feel so grateful for them every day.

What keeps me energised is my love for what I do. Motherhood brought a lot of changes, and for a while, my creativity took a backseat as I adjusted to this new chapter. But stepping back into the arts through Eleonore Entertainment has been like reigniting a spark.

Whether it’s performing or working behind the scenes, having this opportunity to be creative again has been so energising and fulfilling.

You’re obviously passionate about music and performance. If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Ooh, that’s such a tough question! But if I had to choose, I think it would have to be Beyoncé. I’ve admired her ever since I was a teenager—her music, her artistry, and her sheer power to inspire have been a constant in my life. Her songs have a way of lifting you up and making you feel unstoppable, which is exactly what I need on those long, busy days!

It’s not just me—my son, Leo, is now a little Queen B fan too! When he was a newborn, Cuff It was the one song that could settle him, and these days, his personal favourite is Texas Hold’em.

Let’s just say, you might catch a little Beyoncé magic at our launch event… but you’ll have to come along to see for yourself!

The entertainment industry is full of colourful personalities and interesting characters. Do you have any funny or unexpected stories from your time working with performers or cruise lines that you’d be willing to share?
Oh, I’ve definitely got a funny one! When I was performing in Rock of Ages on the Norwegian Breakaway, we had this incredibly enthusiastic audience member right in the front row. He was loving the show—cheering, clapping, you name it. But as the night went on, it became pretty clear he was enjoying himself a bit too much.

By the time we hit the finale with Don’t Stop Believin’, he was… well, let’s just say he was a little too enthusiastic. He ended up vomiting into his champagne bucket, but here’s the kicker—he was still fist-pumping and rocking out to the music like nothing was happening! I’ve got to give him credit for keeping the spirit alive, even if it was in a rather unexpected way!

It was one of those moments that you just have to laugh about—such is life on the high seas, right?

The launch event in Melbourne will feature some incredible performers, including groups like Duchess, Maverick, and Park Avenue, along with solo performances by Bradley J Oakman, Stephen Mahy, and a duet by Stephen Mahy & Teagan Wouters. Can you tell us a bit more about these performers and what makes them so special? What can audiences look forward to from their performances?
The performers we have lined up for our Melbourne launch are truly extraordinary. I can’t say enough about the powerhouse vocals they bring to the stage. The talent on display will absolutely blow you away.

What makes this event so special is how we’ve tailored these performances specifically to highlight each artist’s unique voice and style.

We’ve carefully chosen every song with the performers in mind, which doesn’t always happen in our industry—and it really makes all the difference.

Groups like Duchess, Maverick, and Park Avenue each bring something completely different, and the energy they create together is incredible. Audiences can expect to hear a wide range of genres—from pop and country to musical theatre—with songs from iconic artists like Tina Arena, Fleetwood Mac, Beyoncé, Adele, Tina Turner, and more.

For a sneak peek, you’ll get a taste of what these groups would typically perform during their two 45-minute sets on a cruise, so it’s going to be a dynamic and varied night of music.