Blanc de Blanc Encore: Melanie Hawkins

The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible Australian performer, Melanie Hawkins. She is performing in Blanc de Blanc Encore caberet part of the Brisbane Festival at Northshore Hamilton until 25 September.

We had the opportunity to sit down with the fabulous Australian performer Melanie Hawkins. Melanie talked about how her experience with Blanc de Blanc began, what she loves about performing and working with an incredible international cast and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Melanie, what enticed you to want to be a part of Blanc de Blanc and how did your experience with the show start?
I received a call from the director, Scott and after he explained what the show was all about, I was immediately interested.

It wasn’t like anything I had done in my career before and that was really exciting to me.

Initially what sparked your interest in performing?
When I was very little, like 2 years old, I was pigeon toed. So my mum put me into Ballet class to help with my turnout.

I instantly fell in love with dance, and that love affair continues to this day and is still growing.

What does Blanc de Blanc entail for those who don’t know?
It’s a French inspired show themed around champagne. It’s takes the audience on a journey from ‘class’ to ‘party’ and everything in between.

Cabaret, Circus, Burlesque, Singing, Dancing and Comedy. It has something for anyones taste…especially if you like bubbles!

What is your role in the show and what drew you to it?
I am a Singer and Dancer in the show. I was just so drawn to the beautiful style of the show. It’s completely unique.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Gene Kelly, Amy Winehouse and Beyonce.

What is it like being on tour with this amazing international cast?
It’s wonderful. Working with artists from all over the world, from completely different backgrounds is a beautiful thing.

I now have friends to visit from so many different countries.

Congratulations on all your success, what is one of your proudest achievements and what are some of your future dreams?
One of my proudest moments was being a leading cast member in Hugh Jackman’s arena tour ‘Broadway to Oz’. Being hand picked by him and his team and going on tour in such a massive production was like an absolute dream.

Hugh was so inspiring to work with and also the director Warren Carlyle. It really was a ‘pinch me’ moment every singe day.

I have so many dreams for my future. Every time I achieve one of my dreams it propels me forward to want to try something else, something new. I’m constantly learning more and more about myself as a performer everyday and that means my dreams and goals are constantly changing too.

At the moment I’m excited about the prospect of doing more solo Burlesque style performance.

What can audiences look forward to when they come and see ‘Blanc de Blanc’?
A lot of fun, laughter and thrills.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Blanc de Blanc
Effervescent

Australian theatre
Growth

Movie that would be a banger musical
Coyote Ugly

Strictly Ballroom
Swarovski crystals

Bucket list
Ticking

Queensland
Sunshine

Favourite mantra when you are down
“Try not to get worried, try not to turn on to problems that upset you. Don’t you
know everything’s alright yes everything fine” – (In the voice of Kate Ceberano)

New York
Inspiration

Wicked
Family

Savoury or Sweet
Savoury

Dressing Room necessity
Bluetooth speaker

Favourite Musical
Rock Of Ages

Place you want to travel to
Egypt

TV Show Binge
Euphoria

Finally, favourite thing about performing?
I love being able to move people in the audience and make them feel different emotions especially joy.