The Fame Reporter interviewed charismatic musical theatre performer, Mark Hill. He is currently starring in the wonderfully timeless show ‘The Tap Pack’. Now playing at The Sydney Opera House until 30 July.

Acting from a young age, Mark secured lead roles in children’s television series the Wayne Manifesto (ABC) and Cybergirl (Channel 10). Mark was one of Bindi Irwin’s Crocmen appearing on stage and screen in Australia and USA. Highlights include, The Today Show (USA) and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Mark also performed live on stage with Michael Jackson in his widely acclaimed History World Tour.

Marks Stage Credits include; Muriel’s Wedding “BJORN” (STC), Hot Tub – Reading “Macka” (STC & La Boite), This is our Youth “Dennis” (Underground Broadway), Mary Poppins “Bert U/S” (Disney, Cameron Macintosh), A Chorus Line “Don” (TML), South Pacific “Billis U/S” (Opera Australia & GFO).

We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with Australian performer Mark Hill and talk about how The Tap Pack has changed over the years, what he loves about his co-stars, the most rewarding and challenging parts of the show and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Mark, what sparked your interest in performing initially?
My parents loved musical movies… like on the old VHS (that’s how old I am!). The first movies I remember watching were West Side Story and Singing in The Rain, both shows I’ve been lucky enough to do in my career. I owe so much to my mum and dad.

Do you have a role in any musical or play that you are dying to play?
I’ve recently completed an almost autobiographical play called Chorus Boy, which is in a workshopping stage at the moment. To play the central role ‘Sam; under the guidance of a brilliant director would be EVERYTHING!

How do you change the show after years of performing in ‘The Tap Pack’?
Easy. The Tap Pack is such a challenging piece choreographically, so it’s slightly different every night. That, and we have a great cast that changes as well. I’ve never done the show with this specific combination of blokes. So, it’s already guaranteed to be different.

What is your favourite moment and the most challenging moment in the show?
There’s a lot of throwing and catching stuff in this show (hats, canes, glasses, etc.).

I always find this show fun and I enjoy the risk.

As for most challenging…we utilise stairs during a lot in the show, with a lot of choreography running up and down them. These old legs have to keep up with that.

What is your favourite era of song and dance?
That movie musical era for sure! The 50’s.

What has it been like working, rehearsing, and collaborating with your fellow ‘Tap Pack’ performers again and what do each of them bring to the show?
It’s such a cliché, but they really are some of my best mates (like, I’ve attended their weddings.) It’s just fun! This is good actually; I’ve been looking forward to an opportunity to tell them what I think:

Ben Brown – fierce vocals and consummate ease. (He’s also one of my best and oldest mates).
Jordan Pollard – Comedic genius… actually, he’s kind of good at everything.
Jesse Rasmussen – Freak dancer and a totally authentic and charming character.
Tommy J Egan – he’s rubbish! Nah, just kidding. He’d be one of my favourite dancers to watch in the world.

Who are your favourite tappers of all time?
Gene Kelly. He was just effortless and so masculine at the same time.

You recently performed with Prospero Arts as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, what was that experience like and incorporating your tap talent in that show?
Working with Prospero Arts is brilliant. They’re an exciting team and offer a model we haven’t seen since Jeanne Pratt’s ‘Production Company’ and they’re in Queensland! When Amy Campbell (the director of The Wizard of Oz) called me to discuss the show, I was sure she was wanting me to be the Scarecrow.

But I was thrilled to play the Tin Man. It’s such a beautiful part.

Congratulations on all your success, what is one of your proudest achievements?
Thank you. I think performing in Brisbane can be a nostalgic and sentimental experience. I remember going to QPAC and watching big shows as a kid. Again, with my incredible parents!