20 Questions for Helen Dallimore
HELEN DALLIMORE, Australian star of Wicked, the musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz, currently enjoying full-house success in London
1. What is it like to be in a smash hit show on the West End?
The pressure is exhausting, but seeing two and a half thousand people jump to their feet for you every night more than makes up for it.
2. Did you know about Wicked before you auditioned? If so, what?
I had heard the original cast recording and thought it was incredible - I thought how wonderful it would be to be able to sing like that ...
3. Do you mind being the Good Witch Glinda? Do you ever think - I wish I could swap and be the Wicked Witch this week?
Sometimes! I wouldn't mind a crack at some of those big belt numbers. Secretly though, I think Glinda is more fun to play, she has a huge emotional journey and all the funny lines. Make 'em laugh, make 'em cry ...
4. You had a solid career in Australia - film, TV and theatre. What niggled at you to make you throw it all in and try London?
I think every Australian actor would like the chance to work overseas - we have so much talent that the rest of the world never sees. Also, I have family in England and can work here thanks to my Nan being English, so it was easier on those fronts.
5. What?s your definition of loneliness?
Being unable to express one's true feelings.
6. ... your definition of happiness?
Realising that everything you need, you already have.
7. Revenge is a dish best eaten cold. Discuss.
I think 'The best revenge is success' sums up my feelings on the revenge front. It can be gratifying when you do well to think back to the assholes along the way, it can also spur you on to achieve when people try to crush your spirit. I attribute a lot of my tenacity in this industry to bloody-minded revenge.
[page]8. You tried the USA, well - LA - a few years ago. Tell us about your itchy feet and also, what that time in LA was like.
It was a seminal period for me. I'd turned thirty and I was panicking about not having gone overseas, I went entirely alone, having never been to the States - or anywhere on my own for that matter, and I was mortally terrified. I had no work papers and the people who were representing me weren't getting me any meetings. It was a really tough, lonely experience and I definitely came home with another layer of armour. But I actually liked LA as a place to live, much more than London. It's a healthy, cheerful lifestyle. I could imagine living there one day, but not under those conditions.
9. How did you survive in London when you arrived?
I lived with my brother and his family in Oxford for the first six months, helping out with the kids and commuting to London for meetings. Then when I got an agent, I moved into a share house - which was like going back in time to student days - and worked a couple of jobs. I taught acting at a drama school and worked in a restaurant at night. It was the first time I'd had a non-acting job since before I went to NIDA, 13 years ago.
10. And what were your first impressions?
Well, I grew up in England, going to school in Oxford when I was 10 and then again when I was 15, so I knew what to expect, and that I didn't much like it, which is why I think I put it off for so long. I've never liked the climate or lifestyle here in England, I'm really only here for the work and to be near my family. It IS cold and dark and crowded and the grind really gets you down. On the other hand, the architecture is beautiful and the arts and culture second to none.
11. How long did it take to crack the audition for Glinda?
I auditioned eight times over a three month period. By the seventh I was nearly having a nervous breakdown.
12. Did you go for specific roles (in other shows) or did you just go for anything and everything?
I went for anything I could, just so as many casting directors could see me as possible.
13. Tell us about your good witch costume - is it true Glinda's frock is like weight training?
Absolutely! The big blue "Bubble Dress" weighs an absolute ton - coupled with very high heels, by Saturday night my feet are absolutely killing me. My dresser has to alternate arms when she carries it because she was throwing her shoulder out.
14. Do you have any advice for Australian actors who want to give England a go?
*You must have work papers organised before you go. It's hard enough getting agents to meet with you, if you don't have a visa it's even harder. *You have to be prepared to stick it out - it took me over a year. *Get your accent perfect. I tell people I'm half English, which isn't entirely true, but if they think you're Australian, you'll only audition for Australian roles.
[page]15. Have you moved up in the world since you first arrived in London? (From grotty bedsit to Hampstead, for instance?)
I actually live in the same area, Islington, because it reminds me a bit of King Street Newtown, only the food's not as good. But I have gone from sharing a flat with two other people to having my own two bedroom flat with a massive roof terrace that looks over Islington Green. Which is lovely.
16. What would you like to do when you leave Wicked? How long have you signed on for?
I am contracted until July 14, which is a year. I haven't decided yet whether I would like to stay longer than that. It would be nice to do some film or TV for a change, but it will depend on what's around I suppose.
17. Do you think the Glinda experience will make any difference to opportunities in Australia or the UK? Or are you only as good as your last spell?
In my experience as an actor in Australia you are only as good as your last job. So many times I've had a lead role in a film or play and thought "this is it, you've finally got a leg-up", and then I've been out of work for six months. But maybe things are different here - I'll soon see!
18. Which way is the Yellow Brick Road heading?
Ours leads to the stage left wing and then out the door to the ladies loos. Metaphorically speaking though, I think it leads to a realisation that all that glitters is not gold.
19. What are your impressions of London now?
Well, I can afford to eat nice food and live in a nice flat and buy the occasional pair of shoes but I miss the ocean. I wish I had the opportunity to see more theatre - I think I'm missing out on a lot of London's riches due to my work schedule.
20. What are you reading at the moment?
I have so little time to read. I have been reading The Magus by John Fowles for about two months! London newspapers are fabulous though - I do enjoy the Independent and the Observer on the weekends.
Everything else you need to know about Wicked, tickets, fans, merchandise, clips, synopsis and photos: www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
