This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Justin Clarke: In the spirit of reconciliation, the Theatre Thoughts Podcast acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all traditional custodians of the land on which our episodes are recorded.

[0:22] Justin Clarke: Silence. Oh no. Silence, pure silence. Oh no. And then me in the back, I've decided, you know what, I'm going to yell. Oh no. I'm going to yell the lyrics at her. Now, we all know we've got in-ears. We've got in-ears. I can't hear anything. Yeah. The in-ears are like, I always wondered this. They're like plugs. Yeah. Because there's a bar plug. Yeah, yeah. In your ears. You can't hear anything. No. But I thought, you know what, I'm going to yell it. So I'm like, and then he's coming home late. And I'm like, why have I just done that? She can't hear me.

[1:04] Justin Clarke: But you've managed. I don't know how this is happening. You're listening to the Theatre Thoughts Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of theatre and celebrate the magic of the stage. I'm your host, Justin Clarke, and I'm here to guide you through insightful conversations, behind the scenes stories and thought-provoking discussions about everything theatre related. Before we dive into today's episode, I want to remind you to connect with us on social media. You can follow us on Instagram at TheatreThoughtsAUS and ttpod underscore official for updates, behind the scenes content and exclusive interviews. You can also find us on TikTok at TheatreThoughtsAustralia for even more theatre goodness. So whether you're a seasoned theatre goer or just starting your journey, please sit back, relax and enjoy this brand new episode of the Theatre Thoughts Podcast.

[1:54] Justin Clarke: Welcome everyone to a brand new episode of the Theatre Thoughts Podcast. We have two amazing guests on today who I'm very, very excited to talk about SIX the Musical with. We have a triple threat performer who graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Music Theatre Program. She's toured nationally in the adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, the re-imagination of King Kong, as well as the originating role of Jane Seymour in the touring production of SIX the Musical. She's back once more playing Jane Seymour on stage in both Australia as well as Aotearoa New Zealand. It's Loren Hunter.

[2:25] Loren Hunter: Hello. Can I wave to the camera?

[2:27] Justin Clarke: Of course you may.

[2:28] Loren Hunter: Hi guys.

[2:28] Justin Clarke: We're good for the YouTube.

[2:29] Loren Hunter: Good for the YouTubes.

[2:32] Justin Clarke: And then of course we have another triple threat performer from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University's Bachelor of Music Theatre Program.

[2:40] Kimberley Hodgson: That's a mouthful.

[2:41] Justin Clarke: Oh my goodness.

[2:43] Justin Clarke: They are hot off playing Anita in Handa Opera's production of West Side Story and Gigi in Cameron Mackintosh's Miss Saigon for Opera Australia for which she was nominated for a Green Room Award. She's also originated roles in Australia including the role of Brianna in the original Australian production of Fangirls, big favourite, and is now taking on the first of the six queens, Catherine of Aragon. It's Kimberley Hodgson.

[3:05] Kimberley Hodgson: Hi.

[3:06] Kimberley Hodgson: Thank you so much, both of you, for joining me and coming for a chat.

[3:10] Loren Hunter: Thank you.

[3:10] Kimberley Hodgson: We're very excited to be here. We love it. We were just talking about that. We love the Q&As. We love the podcast.

[3:15] Loren Hunter: We love a good chat.

[3:16] Justin Clarke: We love a good chatty-cappy, one would say.

[3:19] Justin Clarke: It's good. Well, I haven't had a podcast episode in a while and as soon as SIX came across the table, I was like, well, of course I'm going to come out for SIX.

[3:25] Loren Hunter: But of course.

[3:27] Justin Clarke: I managed to see you in Melbourne. When was it? Last month, I think.

[3:31] Loren Hunter: Yes.

[3:32] Justin Clarke: Sorry, it's December now, so October. I was in Melbourne. I was like, I have to see SIX because I wasn't here for the Sydney opening. I was like, I'm going to have to see the new cast and you're all phenomenal.

[3:41] Kimberley Hodgson: Thank you.

[3:42] Loren Hunter: Thank you very much. Thanks for coming all the way down to Melbourne.

[3:45] Justin Clarke: Ah, I was just in their neighbourhood.

[3:50] Loren Hunter: A little weekender.

[3:51] Justin Clarke: I was really good because I remember it was during a rain where it was like, it was storming and one of you did a line that was very dramatic.

[3:59] Kimberley Hodgson: No, it was, I was thinking about this last night. It was Park and she goes, and she said, I remember this distinctly because she was talking on the last night about the Q&A and how these like things happen sometimes that are very like synchronicity sort of vibes. And she was like, and I had to write a letter to Thomas, ending things. And I was like.

[4:20] Loren Hunter: It was so weird.

[4:22] Kimberley Hodgson: So hooky spooky.

[4:23] Loren Hunter: I know, right?

[4:23] Kimberley Hodgson: It was spookums spookums.

[4:25] Loren Hunter: Yeah, it was just one of these things. I was like, spookums spookums.

[4:28] Justin Clarke: It just really added to everything.

[4:31] Justin Clarke: Well, before I guess we get too much into SIX, I'd love to learn more about you both, because I mean, I just went through like a tiny bit of your careers, but you guys have done so much on the scene. You queens, sorry, have done so much on the scene. So who would love to talk about themselves first?

[4:45] Kimberley Hodgson: You go first, Kimmy.

[4:46] Kimberley Hodgson: Okay. So yes, I graduated from the Conservatorium of Music in 2013. And since then, yeah, I have been working on some pretty incredible stuff.

[5:00] Kimberley Hodgson: And working consistently.

[5:02] Kimberley Hodgson: It's been pretty consistent. Yeah, I've been very lucky. I've been very lucky that the shows that have come along have been suitable for me and that I've absolutely loved doing. And I've been a part of some new works and I've been a part of some big commercial.

[5:16] Loren Hunter: Big ones.

[5:17] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, cookie cutter kind of shows. I think Aladdin was my longest one. I did two and a half weeks on that one.

[5:24] Justin Clarke: Were you working with Courtney on that?

[5:27] Kimberley Hodgson: So she replaced my cover track. So I had left at that point. I'd left and that was two and a half years in. And then there was a big cast change. And that was before they did, maybe it was Adelaide, New Zealand, Singapore or something around that time.

[5:43] Justin Clarke: Where did you go to after that? What were you doing?

[5:45] Kimberley Hodgson: I actually didn't. That was the first time I ever left a job without having anything to go.

[5:49] Justin Clarke: Oh, wow.

[5:51] Kimberley Hodgson: You'd been on it for quite some time.

[5:52] Kimberley Hodgson: I had been on it for a long time. And I mean, to do a show, I had a really hard dancing track in that show. And I was pretty enthusiastic about that at the time. And then...

[6:04] Loren Hunter: And then your body's paying for it tonight.

[6:05] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, yeah. I'm still paying for it now to this day.

[6:08] Loren Hunter: It's like, oh, that time, that show.

[6:10] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, we're all nursing those things.

[6:12] Loren Hunter: Oh, still.

[6:13] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. Our bodies have those scars that will just stay with us forever.

[6:17] Kimberley Hodgson: My feet are so sore. But it was, I mean, it was an incredible learning experience for me to not, I won't say endure, but to put my body through that for such a lengthy amount of time. And to come out of it at the end of that journey, saying to myself that it's okay to say goodbye. And that was a big learning experience for me and have since only ever really kind of done that once. But normally I get a little bit...

[6:48] Loren Hunter: Itchy feet.

[6:49] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, because I'm like, oh, I don't have another thing to go to.

[6:51] Justin Clarke: Oh, I'm the same. I'm the exact same in my job.

[6:54] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. And that's, I mean, there is always that concern of, you know, money coming in. I have other jobs that I do and that I work. So it's okay. Money's okay. But yeah, there is also that expectation of like, oh, I better book another one to make sure that I'm, you know, still, you know...

[7:12] Justin Clarke: Do you feel like a pressure to be relevant or something?

[7:14] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. Well, I also just feel the pressure of like proving to myself that I am still worthy of working. I don't know. I think that's the expectation I put on myself. I'm a very hard worker.

[7:29] Loren Hunter: Very much. And you've worked on like two different types of stages as well, all the way from Belvoir to Handa Opera, you know, on the Harbour. That's massive.

[7:39] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, it's huge. And I do like a challenge. I feel like my attitude towards the challenges as I'm getting older, the frame of mindset is a little bit different. But I now look in, you know, in hindsight at the things that I've done, and I truly give myself a bit of a pat on the back because I have done things that I really don't think I ever imagined I would have been able to do.

[8:06] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[8:07] Kimberley Hodgson: Truly, really questioning my ability. And I'm like, I don't know why they've actually making me do this. I don't know if I can do it.

[8:15] Loren Hunter: Do you look back on those ones now and you go, well, I couldn't do it now?

[8:18] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, yeah. Like I look back at where I was and it's only like, sure, you could do it now. But I look back on moments that I go, oh, that was a very specific time of my life that I could only produce that amount, like that work or create that in that little pocket of love.

[8:38] Loren Hunter: Absolutely. I did the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

[8:44] Kimberley Hodgson: That one?

[8:45] Loren Hunter: Yes.

[8:45] Kimberley Hodgson: I should know what it is. I've done it twice.

[8:47] Loren Hunter: What is it?

[8:47] Kimberley Hodgson: Handa Opera on the Harbour.

[8:49] Loren Hunter: Is that the one with West Side Story?

[8:51] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[8:51] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[8:52] Kimberley Hodgson: Okay, that's what they call it.

[8:53] Loren Hunter: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

[8:54] Kimberley Hodgson: Okay.

[8:55] Kimberley Hodgson: So I did the production of West Side Story five years ago.

[9:05] Loren Hunter: Five years now?

[9:05] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes, five years ago. And I was in the ensemble and I covered Anita.

[9:10] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[9:11] Kimberley Hodgson: And then I played the role five years on. But I truly, energetically and emotionally, I don't feel like I would have been able to do the role then justice if I were to do it back then compared to now. But then it's kind of a double edged sword where my body has aged a lot in five years. So it was an opportunity that I was had a lot of doubt. I had a lot of down in myself and my capabilities because I just didn't know if my body would be able to do it. But my mind and my soul wanted to tell the story and it was ready to tell the story. And so it was a great challenge in that way.

[9:53] Loren Hunter: I can't remember who said it was probably one of the wise people like Ian McKellen or someone. They said something along the lines of that the roles that you most want will come to you when you like need them or like when you're ready for them, you know.

[10:05] Kimberley Hodgson: A hundred percent I agree with that.

[10:06] Loren Hunter: Because I've always wanted to play Hamlet in my life. I'm a big Shakespeare nerd.

[10:09] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[10:10] Loren Hunter: And it's like you can't play it when you're 18 or you can kind of, but you can't play it when you're like 60 or 70, but it might come at the right time, you know, for you when whenever it crosses your path. So probably a similar sort of ideal.

[10:23] Kimberley Hodgson: I very much believe that.

[10:24] Loren Hunter: Yeah, me too. A hundred percent.

[10:26] Justin Clarke: And speaking of roles, I mean, you Jane Seymour. I was about to call you Jane and I was like, that's not your name because you played it from the start.

[10:30] Loren Hunter: And it's incredible at it as well.

[10:34] Justin Clarke: I remember because I've seen you do it at the Opera House.

[10:39] Loren Hunter: When did you see it at the Opera House first?

[10:41] Justin Clarke: It was not when you first had the original cast.

[10:45] Justin Clarke: I think it was just after you came back from COVID in that 21 gap.

[10:49] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[10:49] Justin Clarke: Yeah. And then at the Theatre Royal and then Melbourne as well.

[10:54] Justin Clarke: And every time you do something different with it, it's not massive differences, but it's enough to change the entire perspective, which I find fascinating.

[11:03] Loren Hunter: Yes.

[11:04] Justin Clarke: And I mean, obviously with your career, you've done so much as well. Do you find that a lot of that builds up to where you are today, your career and the foundations you set?

[11:12] Loren Hunter: The way I hear that question is, has my career helped me?

[11:17] Justin Clarke: That is a much better way of saying it.

[11:18] Loren Hunter: No, no, no, that's okay. I just wanted to be sure.

[11:22] Loren Hunter: Oh, yes. And funnily enough, like the reason why I asked you if you'd seen the first one is that that was almost like the training I had to do it then the second and the third time.

[11:32] Justin Clarke: Right, gotcha.

[11:33] Loren Hunter: So my experience on the first time, I was highly anxious, really struggled with performance anxiety. I have so many stories in that three-month time where we did it. And then I had, obviously COVID had happened and I was able to go home. And it's not lost on me that COVID was crazy for a lot of people and really hard. But I was very grateful to be able to be with my family at that time. And I just really needed it. My whole entire career sort of caught up with me at that time. And to be with my family for, what was it, like a year and a half was just the best thing that possibly could have happened. And so then coming back to it, I was like, well, I don't want it to be like that. I want it to actually be really enjoyable because why else am I doing this, you know?

And so I guess, yeah, the answer to your question is, yes, my whole entire career helped me with these moments and all of that. But actually it was the first time that I did it that really switched it up of how I actually wanted to approach it the second and third time.

[12:44] Justin Clarke: Wow, that's fascinating.

[12:45] Loren Hunter: Yeah, and I've got so many stories about that time. It was just a really... I was doing The Artist's Way at the time.

[12:53] Kimberley Hodgson: That's a great book.

[12:55] Loren Hunter: Gosh, it changed my life.

[12:56] Kimberley Hodgson: Who wrote that again?

[12:56] Loren Hunter: Julia Cameron was her name. And it's a 12-week course. It comes up every time I speak about SIX because it was such an integral time in my...

[13:09] Loren Hunter: And I guess my creative... What am I trying to say? Creative approach.

[13:14] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, yeah.

[13:14] Loren Hunter: And like who I want to be as a creator. It sounds so... I don't want to use the word wanky, but I just did. But it does sound like that, but it really just changed the game for me. So it's something that...

[13:26] Kimberley Hodgson: A course that you take yourself through yourself.

[13:30] Loren Hunter: Yeah, yeah. And that I did over the entire period. It literally ended the moment I was driving back up to Brisbane. And so it was like this sort of gift that I gave myself to be like, All right, use all of the things that you learned then.

[13:46] Kimberley Hodgson: To change it up so that you're not having to be anxious, because that's really not serving the story. And it happens to a lot of performers, you know. And I think a lot of audience members, they, we only see really, for those who've, let's say for instance, they go see SIX once, they see that show and that show only, but they don't think about the two you've done, you know, the previous week or the other one you've done that day, and you just see that moment in time. And so it's a very specific thing, really, that I don't think a lot of audience members kind of comprehend. And it's been interesting for me, like talking with amazing artists like yourself, to see the bigger process behind everything, you know.

[14:23] Loren Hunter: Yeah, definitely. And I mean, and also to answer your question, like I've had considerable breaks in between doing this show, and you know, we're all changing all the time, and I'm not the same person as I was, you know, when I did it the first time, when I did it the second time, when I did it the third time. And all of those things that I've experienced, whether it's overseas trips, or things like that, like, I knew it was going to come up, but I walked the Camino last year. And I can hear all the girls at work going, Oh, did you walk the Camino? Because I always talk about it. Yes. Context. Camino is, there's actually a few walks you can do that are called the Camino. But the specific one that I did is called the French Way. And it's from the south of France. And you walk all the way across Spain to Santiago.

[15:11] Kurt Fearnley: I know this! One of my friends did this!

[15:13] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes.

[15:14] Kurt Fearnley: You were talking to me about it.

[15:15] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes. And so I walked that last year in August. It was 800 kilometres over 36 days. Yeah. So then that brought a whole new meaning to the song.

[15:27] Kurt Fearnley: Yeah.

[15:29] Kimberley Hodgson: Really. So just those things.

[15:29] Kurt Fearnley: Yeah.

[15:31] Kimberley Hodgson: That's what actually helps fuel your art, really. So yeah.

[15:34] Kurt Fearnley: Incredible.

[15:35] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. We had a Q&A last night.

[15:38] Kurt Fearnley: Oh, did you?

[15:38] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[15:39] Kurt Fearnley: In the show?

[15:40] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, after the show last night.

[15:42] Kurt Fearnley: Okay, right.

[15:42] Kimberley Hodgson: Natalia, one of our swings, mentioned something really incredible. I think also the beauty is of being a swing when you can step away from a role for a little bit, and then you come back to it. And then you all of a sudden surprise yourself with feeling like, oh, I'm just like, there's this...

[15:57] Kurt Fearnley: This song means something different.

[15:59] Kimberley Hodgson: Something different. And I think very much just along the lines of that is that like, we live our regular lives and things happen in our lives and what we say might all of a sudden, like words are coming out of your mouth that you've said how many times, like for months and months and months, and then all of a sudden...

[16:18] Kurt Fearnley: Means something different.

[16:19] Kimberley Hodgson: They're coming out of your mouth, and you're consciously realising in the moment, I've never faced...

[16:25] Kurt Fearnley: That's fascinating.

[16:26] Kimberley Hodgson: And then it just redirects your...

[16:30] Kurt Fearnley: Entire story.

[16:31] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[16:31] Kurt Fearnley: An entire experience of that song. It's wild.

[16:34] Kimberley Hodgson: It's wild. And I think, I mean, I think what's so beautiful about live theatre, and I feel like for this show in particular, there's so much...

[16:43] Kurt Fearnley: Creative freedom.

[16:44] Kimberley Hodgson: ...liberty in that.

[16:45] Kurt Fearnley: Oh, I bet.

[16:46] Kimberley Hodgson: Which we, this, and you know, people ask me all the time, sorry to cut you off, but people ask me all the time, like, you know, how do you keep it fresh? But they, like creatives will say to you, like, this is your moment, this is your time, like, bring as much as you can to the role as possible. And I mean, you've done a lot of commercial musicals. Is it always like that?

[17:05] Kurt Fearnley: No.

[17:06] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, exactly.

[17:07] Kurt Fearnley: Yeah.

[17:07] Kimberley Hodgson: It's unique in that.

[17:08] Kurt Fearnley: It's interesting with Six as well, because you guys do, sorry, I keep calling you guys, you're queens, have one song, you know, and the rest is all ensemble. And then you have that one song to smash and you sing that same song every night. So bringing that different quality must be an interesting process.

[17:26] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, and I think it's also about like meeting yourself where you're at in that moment. And there'll be people that go, you know, it's not about like giving your best 70% or your best, I don't actually view it that way. I'm like, well, where I'm where I'm at now is what you're going to get. I can't, I don't know what it means to give 50% or 60%. Like, that's just, I don't know how to measure that at all. So it's like, well, how I'll just meet myself where I'm at and give it my best. Yeah, you know. And with that, yeah, comes a lot of play and freedom and truth and yeah, presence. And yeah, I bloody love what we do. Yeah.

[18:08] Kurt Fearnley: I was fascinated to learn more about the swings, because when I was young, like I had in my mind that a swing was just someone who just filled in one role for one night, and that's all I did. And then when I grew up, and I realised, oh, no, they do everything. And when I spoke to Chiara, when you guys were doing it in Sydney, I was just like, I was blown away by it, you know, just fascinating. At the drop of a hat, just come on. Yeah, and fill the role. And you know, we had times in Melbourne where our Sunday in between shows is quite short, and they know, maybe at the half, wasn't it the half that Gabs went on? And then yeah, that was when I went off. That's right. That's right. So and at that time, it was quite early on in the season.

Yeah, yeah, there is a lot of pressure on the swings to be ready to, you know, be ready. And yeah, perform at a standard that like, is expected of like us, and then when we do it, how many times a week? Yeah. And you know what I mean? It's just comes with its own set of challenges. Yeah, it's incredible. They are amazing. Yeah.

[19:12] Kimberley Hodgson: Blows my mind. Blows my mind. Yeah, you do like, I have my role and I will stick to my role, but they do all six roles whenever. It is insane. Yeah. Astounding. Yep. I'm gobsmacked by it every time I think about it. Yeah, I couldn't do it. I really don't think I could. I mean, I could with a lot of time.

[19:36] Loren Hunter: Time?

[19:36] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. But sometimes you don't have that.

[19:42] Loren Hunter: No, no.

[19:42] Kimberley Hodgson: You know, so. Just incredible. Yeah, incredible. Well, lovely. Well, that was very meaningful and very deep.

[19:48] Loren Hunter: Every single segment.

[19:52] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, we get to the nitty gritty real quick around here. Well, what I'm going to do is I'm going to take a quick little ad break and then we'll do our theatre thoughts questions. Theatre thoughts.

[19:58] Loren Hunter: Okay, let's do our theatre thoughts questions. So these are just kind of off the cuff questions.

[20:09] Kimberley Hodgson: Quick fire.

[20:09] Loren Hunter: Yes, quick fire. I used to do it as one minute, but I realised that people wanted to clarify their answers and I was like, no, no, talk, please talk.

[20:20] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, okay. And you can fix it in post.

[20:25] Loren Hunter: Yeah, fix it in post. To make it one minute.

[20:25] Kimberley Hodgson: Exactly. One minute, right? Yeah. Okay, so what we'll do is I'll ask a question and then we'll do like one, one. Okay. And then we'll second question and so on. Okay. All right, here we go. What has been your favourite production you've seen recently?

[20:40] Kimberley Hodgson: I don't have time to see a lot of things. Yeah. Because we're working. Because, yeah. But I was swung out and I did C6.

[20:46] Loren Hunter: Oh, wow.

[20:46] Kimberley Hodgson: No, and this is my bias. Yeah. Am I allowed to explain it? Yeah, go ahead. I had the biggest amount of FOMO that I think I have ever had being swung out of a show. Yeah. Was when I was when I was swung out to see the Queens do their thing. I hadn't seen the production since the Opera House version, the very, very first version.

[21:09] Loren Hunter: Oh, you saw that one?

[21:16] Kimberley Hodgson: I saw the very, very, very first one. Wow. This was many, many, many, many years ago. Yeah. And I'm not a real theatre geek. Like I won't really look into things. I feel like we're both musical theatre frauds.

[21:26] Loren Hunter: Yeah. I'm an absolute fraud. I know nothing about nothing.

[21:32] Kimberley Hodgson: I know nothing about nothing. The brief will come in and go, oh, what's this about? What does that mean? Cats. You know what I mean? So I'm a big fraud. So when I was swung out and I saw everyone, when I saw what I was a part of and to feel it from the other side, I just thought, I can't believe I'm a part of something that can make people feel like this.

[21:58] Loren Hunter: And I was so proud. I'm getting like chilly just thinking about it. I'm so proud of like, it's not often I know I'm getting emotional. I get so proud of things that I'm like, like, I honestly was so proud to just see what we are doing every day. And I just had the biggest, like FOMO moment of like, I can't wait to do my next show. I love that. And you continually, you know, bring that to the table every night, Kimmie.

[22:49] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, that's nice. And I really, I'm honestly behind you, you know, like when you're doing your monologue and I'm so thrilled that you're up there.

[22:58] Loren Hunter: That must be really special to have those moments on stage where you kind of step out because you're like watching, you know, someone do a number. You're just like, you're just admiring it. I think I admire, you know, you're a hundred percent commitment to it and I respect that. Yeah. And I have a lot of fun with that as well, right behind you. That's my boyfriend.

[23:31] Kimberley Hodgson: That's my favorite. That is a great answer. Now, what was the question again? Your favorite production you've seen recently?

[23:36] Loren Hunter: You know what? It's not recent, but it's when I, it came up when I read this, I got to see The Color Purple in New York.

[23:41] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, wow.

[23:47] Loren Hunter: Please. If you say there was with Cynthia Riva. I got to see it. And I kid you not, I still think about it. Incredible. I have never experienced a moment like that in theater ever. Yeah. Where her voice just like, like nailed me to the chair. Like I just, I can't even explain it. And the journey she took you on, I just was, I am in awe and I will never forget that. Yeah. I will never, oh yeah. It was so, I was so grateful. I was just, I have a lot of gratitude that I was able to experience her.

[24:27] Kimberley Hodgson: Well, I mean, I saw obviously the Wicked movie recently. Don't even get us started. I mean, we're going to change this to, we're going to talk about it. But she sung The Wizard and I and, and like, I appreciate The Wizard and I, I think it's just as good a song as Defying Gravity. And in the movie, when she started singing, I'm going to tear up thinking about it. I got chills because her voice is just so pure, so effortless. And when she started singing the first couple of notes of Wizard and I, I started tearing up. I was like, we're 10 minutes into the movie, you know?

[25:01] Loren Hunter: I think it's also what she, she is such a smart actor and that's so like, you hear that so, it's so trite. You hear that all the time, but it's beyond her voice. I think it's her entire entity. You know, I feel like she's just magic and she was born to do things like this, but she brings to life story. She makes story the most important thing. And then her voice, not necessarily that it's secondary, but it's the way that those two things collide that you're like, oh, you're, you're, yeah, you're, you're it. Yeah. You're it. How incredible. What a story to tell. Well, I mean, I saw, um, I saw Bok play Spongebob, so, you know, I only realised it the other day because I remember seeing Spongebob like, oh, that was a silly show. And then I remembered that it was him and I was like, oh, that's right. I've seen him do that, that role. Okay. I'm going to ask two more. Okay. Um, I'd love to know what the most rewarding theatre experience you've had is.

[26:06] Kimberley Hodgson: Is that like to perform in or you mean just as an audience member?

[26:12] Loren Hunter: Um, I'm going to say performing for this one.

[26:16] Kimberley Hodgson: Okay. Yeah. Something that you've done in your career that's been, this is so rewarding for me right now.

[26:25] Loren Hunter: I have two moments, but I'll just pick one.

[26:33] Kimberley Hodgson: No, pick two, darling.

[26:33] Loren Hunter: No, I'll just say one. Okay. So there was, um, I did Frozen.

[26:41] Kimberley Hodgson: Ah, yep.

[26:41] Loren Hunter: And I was understudy for, um, Princess Anna. And one of the most rewarding moments, I think, of my, I spent a long time, um, of my career, uh, in the ensemble and understudying up until the past couple of years. Um, and so there's a lot of, there was a lot of, uh, doubt in myself and like, oh, maybe I'm not good enough. Maybe this will be the rest of my career for the rest of time. And there was not being an understudy. Yep. And I had a moment when I debuted for the role and, uh, we were playing at the Capitol theatre and I remember walking out of stage door. So it wasn't even the performance itself. I walked out of stage door and I could just see all these little Asian Annas dressed up in their costumes.

[27:32] Kimberley Hodgson: I think what’s really interesting about the show is how it resonates with people from all walks of life, and it’s not just about the historical figures that we portray. It’s about the themes of empowerment, love, and resilience that really connect with audiences today.

[28:02] Loren Hunter: Absolutely! And I think that’s what makes it so special. Each of the queens has their own story, and they all go through their own struggles, which makes it relatable. It’s not just a historical retelling; it’s a celebration of womanhood.

[28:32] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes! And the music is so catchy and vibrant. It really brings the energy of the show to life. I’ve found that audiences leave the theatre humming the songs, which is such a testament to the writing and the performances.

[29:02] Loren Hunter: For sure! And the choreography is also a huge part of that energy. The way the numbers are staged really enhances the storytelling and allows us to express the emotions of our characters through movement.

[29:22] Kimberley Hodgson: I love how each song has its own unique style, reflecting the personality of each queen. It’s a great way to showcase our individual talents while still being part of a cohesive show.

[29:50] Loren Hunter: Exactly! And I think that’s what draws people in. They see themselves in the queens, and they can relate to their journeys, which makes the experience even more impactful.

[30:10] Kimberley Hodgson: And the fan engagement has been incredible. The way people connect with the show on social media and at the stage door is just amazing. It really feels like we’re part of a larger community.

[30:36] Loren Hunter: Yes! The fandom is so passionate and supportive. It’s wonderful to see how they celebrate the show and each other. It creates such a positive atmosphere around the production.

[30:56] Kimberley Hodgson: And it’s not just about the show itself; it’s about the conversations it sparks. People are talking about the themes and the messages long after they’ve left the theatre, which is what we hope for as performers.

[31:20] Loren Hunter: Definitely! It’s a show that encourages dialogue and reflection, and I think that’s what makes it resonate so deeply with audiences.

[31:50] Kimberley Hodgson: And it’s also a reminder of the importance of representation in theatre. Seeing strong female characters who are flawed and complex is so important for audiences to witness.

[32:18] Loren Hunter: Absolutely! It’s about time we see more stories like this on stage. It’s refreshing and necessary, and I hope it paves the way for more diverse narratives in the future.

[32:46] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes! And I think it’s also inspiring for young performers to see themselves represented. It shows them that they can aspire to be on stage and tell their own stories.

[33:16] Loren Hunter: Exactly! It’s about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone in the industry. We need to keep pushing for more inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of theatre.

[33:46] Kimberley Hodgson: And I think that’s what makes our production of SIX so special. We’re not just telling a story; we’re also contributing to a larger movement within the theatre community.

[34:12] Loren Hunter: Yes! It’s exciting to be part of something that feels so relevant and impactful. I can’t wait to see how the show continues to evolve and inspire future generations.

[34:42] Kimberley Hodgson: Me too! And I think as we continue to perform, we’ll find new layers to our characters and the story, which keeps it fresh and exciting for us as well.

[35:10] Loren Hunter: Absolutely! Every performance is a new opportunity to connect with the audience and share the journey of these queens.

[35:38] Kimberley Hodgson: And I think that’s what keeps us motivated as performers. Knowing that we’re making a difference in people’s lives, even if it’s just for a couple of hours in the theatre.

[36:06] Loren Hunter: Yes! It’s such a rewarding experience, and I feel so lucky to be part of this production and to share it with such talented people.

[36:34] Kimberley Hodgson: I couldn’t agree more! It’s a dream come true to be able to perform in a show that I love so much and to work alongside such incredible artists.

[37:00] Loren Hunter: And to think about how far we’ve come in our careers, it’s a testament to hard work and perseverance. We’ve both had our journeys, and it’s amazing to see where we are now.

[37:26] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes! It’s all about the journey and the experiences we gain along the way. I think that’s what shapes us as performers and as individuals.

[37:54] Loren Hunter: Definitely! And I think that’s what makes our performances even more authentic. We bring our own stories and experiences into our roles, which adds depth to the characters.

[38:22] Kimberley Hodgson: Exactly! And I think that’s what audiences connect with. They can feel the truth in our performances, and it makes the experience all the more powerful.

[38:50] Loren Hunter: Yes! It’s all about creating that connection and sharing those moments with the audience. That’s what makes live theatre so special.

[39:16] Kimberley Hodgson: And I hope that as we continue to perform, we can inspire others to pursue their passions and to believe in themselves.

[39:46] Loren Hunter: Absolutely! It’s all about lifting each other up and creating a supportive community within the arts.

[40:16] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes! And I think that’s what we’re doing with this show. We’re not just performing; we’re creating a movement.

[40:45] Loren Hunter: Exactly! And I can’t wait to see where it takes us next. The future is bright for theatre, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

[41:18] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, so we learnt the show quite quickly, and I will admit that despite all of the years of work that I have had under my belt, there were definite moments of panic and really feeling flooded with this information and the dense choreography and the pop singing too, when I just come from a legit, you know, it's very kind. But yeah, it was all very overwhelming and very grateful that now I'm at a place where I'm definitely having a lot more fun because I know it. But it was a shock just realising the enormity of what Six is and how much is in that 80 minutes of show time that we do.

[42:25] Loren Hunter: I think I enjoy that when I see shows on repeat, is I, like if I see a show once, I take it all in. It's the same thing I do with a movie, I take it all in. Then I see it a second time and I look at like the actors at the front. Then I see it a third time and I'll look at the ensemble. I'll take in all the tech stuff. And so yeah, so seeing it, and I think it was a moment where I saw it recently, I was paying attention to the choreography this time. And I was like, every moment, everyone is doing something. And I think it was Sharon Millichip who said something about the microphones. I adore Sharon. She cracks us open like eggs. I'll always say it. She really is such a fantastic director. She'll just give us not even a full sentence. She'll just be like, hey, blah, blah, blah, and then we'd be like, yeah, she's, yeah, we're very lucky to have her. Anyway, sorry.

[43:19] Kimberley Hodgson: No, no, no, that's all right. I adore her as well. I had her on the podcast talk about a show she was doing at Ensemble. I said this to her because I had to. And I was like, I saw you perform as Belle when I was like this big. And I was like, you were the first performer. You were the first show I ever saw. You were the first like Belle. And this was a very full circle moment that I had her sitting down on the podcast. And I was like, I'm sorry, I just have to say this. Yeah, it was very full on.

[43:50] Loren Hunter: Do you know, she won a Helpmann award for both Velma and Roxy.

[43:58] Kimberley Hodgson: She's phenomenal.

[43:59] Loren Hunter: Isn't that insane? I love it. Phenomenal. Anyway.

[44:03] Kimberley Hodgson: But yes, she said something about the microphone placement, I think, and something about how each ear.

[44:09] Loren Hunter: Oh, the microphone has its own choreography.

[44:10] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes, and I was gobsmacked by that. I was like, what do you mean it's got its own choreography? You're just grabbing it.

[44:15] Loren Hunter: No, and it's different for each queen. Each queen has their own micrography.

[44:21] Kimberley Hodgson: That's incredible.

[44:22] Loren Hunter: Oh, yeah. It's a whole routine in itself. So on top of learning the intricate choreography that you're doing, you then have to manage this microphone. And it's not a fake microphone. It's a real deal. You don't put that up there, no one will hear you.

[44:37] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[44:38] Loren Hunter: Oh, we love it. Amazing.

[44:41] Kimberley Hodgson: But of course.

[44:42] Loren Hunter: But of course. But it's intricate. Well, that brings me to the question that I'd love to finish off with is I'd love to know some behind the show stories, if you have any good little nuggets.

[44:51] Kimberley Hodgson: Do we ever? Okay, well, you tell mine and I'll tell yours. I'll go first. Okay, so Kimmy's monologue is to track.

[45:00] Loren Hunter: Yes.

[45:01] Kimberley Hodgson: So once that starts, she cannot get off that train.

[45:06] Loren Hunter: Okay, right.

[45:07] Kimberley Hodgson: It's wordy. Again, it's intricate.

[45:09] Loren Hunter: Timed.

[45:10] Kimberley Hodgson: Timed. Oh, wow.

[45:12] Loren Hunter: So you have to like say the lines between, I think it's actually I've counted the other day, it was like four bars of four.

[45:17] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[45:18] Loren Hunter: Am I right?

[45:19] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, for the majority of it.

[45:20] Loren Hunter: Yeah. So each sort of section of dialogue.

[45:24] Kimberley Hodgson: Whilst keeping it fresh and new.

[45:27] Loren Hunter: Yep.

[45:28] Kimberley Hodgson: And finding new things.

[45:29] Loren Hunter: Finding new thoughts.

[45:30] Kimberley Hodgson: Finding something else. Finding, I don't know. Just finding freshness within it. Anyway.

[45:37] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[45:38] Kimberley Hodgson: We get to about, I want to say like.

[45:39] Loren Hunter: It's the third stanza.

[45:41] Kimberley Hodgson: It's the third stanza. Yeah.

[45:43] Loren Hunter: Okay. That one.

[45:44] Kimberley Hodgson: That one. How do you begin that?

[45:47] Loren Hunter: Oh, yeah. I said, I go, it does come before it. Let me think myself, see if I can get it.

[45:56] Kimberley Hodgson: We go, we say.

[48:00] Loren Hunter: Wait.

[48:01] Kimberley Hodgson: So wait.

[48:02] Loren Hunter: Then he's trying really hard.

[48:04] Kimberley Hodgson: And I'm like, okay.

[48:05] Loren Hunter: And I'm like, okay.

[48:08] Kimberley Hodgson: Silence.

[48:09] Loren Hunter: Oh, no.

[48:10] Kimberley Hodgson: Silence. Pure silence.

[48:12] Loren Hunter: Oh, no.

[48:13] Kimberley Hodgson: And I'm like, I've decided. You know what? I'm going to yell.

[48:16] Loren Hunter: Oh, no.

[48:17] Kimberley Hodgson: I'm going to yell the lyrics at her.

[48:19] Loren Hunter: Yes.

[48:20] Kimberley Hodgson: Now, we all know we've got in-ears. We've got in-ears.

[48:22] Loren Hunter: I can't hear anything.

[48:23] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, yeah. I can't hear anything. The in-ears are like.

[48:27] Loren Hunter: I always wondered this.

[48:28] Kimberley Hodgson: They're like plugs. Things, there's a bar plug.

[48:31] Loren Hunter: Yeah, yeah.

[48:32] Kimberley Hodgson: In your ears. You can't hear anything.

[48:35] Loren Hunter: No.

[48:36] Kimberley Hodgson: But I thought, you know what? I'm going to yell it. So I'm like, and then he's coming home late. And I'm like, why have I just done that? She can't hear me.

[48:40] Loren Hunter: But you've managed.

[48:43] Kimberley Hodgson: I don't know how this has happened.

[48:44] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[48:45] Kimberley Hodgson: But I tell you that in this moment, what I do know is that, and I had friends in the audience that told me what I was actually doing. But what I thought I was doing was I just thought I was like this.

[48:58] Loren Hunter: You shrunk.

[48:59] Kimberley Hodgson: You went all small. Yeah. And my brain, I've actually, I'm going to crumple and implode. And I will not be able to continue with the song.

[49:07] Loren Hunter: Yeah, right.

[49:08] Kimberley Hodgson: And it was just black space. And I was like, beep. And I couldn't, I'm like, I don't know what's meant to come out. Don't know where or what's happening. And then eventually I was like, well, I guess I'll just wait for the next section. And then I took a bit of time to think about all of this is happening within four bars.

[49:28] Loren Hunter: Yeah, yeah.

[49:29] Kimberley Hodgson: It's not well.

[49:30] Loren Hunter: It's not a long time.

[49:31] Kimberley Hodgson: No. And I'm thinking, I think I know what's next. I'll just pick that up, I guess.

[49:36] Loren Hunter: And you did.

[49:37] Kimberley Hodgson: I know I did. And I don't know how. And then I just came back. My spirit came back to my body.

[49:42] Loren Hunter: Wow.

[49:44] Kimberley Hodgson: But, yeah. And apparently.

[49:46] Loren Hunter: We can laugh about it now.

[49:47] Kimberley Hodgson: I kind of got anxiety thinking about it.

[49:48] Loren Hunter: Oh, yeah. It's incredible. These moments happen all the time.

[49:51] Kimberley Hodgson: All the time. I saw an interview with Lee F. Schreiber talking about it. He had the exact same thing on Broadway. He just went, just gone. Everything was gone. He walked off stage. He's like, I don't know who I am.

[50:01] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[50:02] Kimberley Hodgson: And it just was gone. Particularly if you've done, if your job has repetition, which ours very much does. Just circuits.

[50:08] Loren Hunter: What do you call them?

[50:11] Kimberley Hodgson: Short circuits.

[50:12] Loren Hunter: Short circuits. And that's exactly what happened to me. I've got cursed Saturday matinees, which I'm okay with.

[50:17] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[50:18] Loren Hunter: Like, you have to be okay with the fact that sometimes things will go wrong. It's just going to happen. And so, yeah. Kimmy's was that.

[50:23] Kimberley Hodgson: Then I get to.

[50:27] Loren Hunter: Yeah, you had a bad, but that was not the most heart-wrenching song we've heard this evening.

[50:31] Kimberley Hodgson: And then Howard goes, says something about, you know, there were four choruses. And I'm like, oh yeah, sorry. So true. When you died, your son had to grow up without a mother. Now that is, that's what's meant to happen.

[50:41] Loren Hunter: Yeah.

[50:42] Kimberley Hodgson: And I've gone. Oh yeah. Sorry. So true. Your mother grew up without a mother. So.

[50:51] Loren Hunter: And I just went. That's not it.

[50:53] Kimberley Hodgson: It's not it. And I also turned to the audience, went. I mean, it was brilliant. And I just went, well, I don't know where I am. I don't know what part of the script I'm going to say next. And everybody helped me out.

[51:07] Loren Hunter: Which they did.

[51:08] Kimberley Hodgson: Well. Did you say that word for it? Or is that in the.

[51:12] Loren Hunter: No. That was in the shrug you had. The little.

[51:15] Kimberley Hodgson: The little. That's what you conveyed.

[51:17] Loren Hunter: That's what I went. I just went. That's it. Amazing.

[51:21] Kimberley Hodgson: And the audience were like. What?

[51:23] Loren Hunter: James.

[51:24] Kimberley Hodgson: And I think. Yeah. And I think that that's what it was. It was like, well, James kind of lost the plot anyway. By that point. Yeah. It was just. And then, like, I've had moments where, you know, the Corey, you're meant to go. I can six, four, three more minutes and just do like a little back. And then you're meant to stay in the line. But I've gone for three more minutes and jumped back thinking it was the two more minutes curry, which is when Zila and I come back and the other two stay forward. So then in this bit, when will I wear one of a kind? I'm just hopping. Forward back. Hopping forward to get to the line. And I'm just going, this is just too much. Now, Chelsea will say it. She goes, Lauren doesn't make mistakes. And I mean, I absolutely do. I make mistakes all the time. I'm a human being. All the time. But I will say, in that weekend, it was the most mistakes I have ever made in the last five years within the show.

[52:15] Kimberley Hodgson: Incredible. Because it just like.

[52:16] Loren Hunter: It just happens. And I think it also happens when you've done it for so long.

[52:20] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah, of course. You kind of get. Do you get comfortable? Is that the word?

[52:23] Loren Hunter: No. And I will say, it's not out of me being like, oh, yeah. Never, ever. I will always make certain that I'm listening and things like that. It just happens.

[52:35] Kimberley Hodgson: It just happens. You're human. You're a performer.

[52:38] Loren Hunter: Yeah. It's like when you have a conversation with your friends and you're like, I just didn't say the right words.

[52:41] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. I don't know what just came out of my mouth.

[52:43] Loren Hunter: Exactly. Often I'll say, I heard myself say it as it was coming out.

[52:47] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah.

[52:48] Loren Hunter: I don't know why I just said that.

[52:49] Kimberley Hodgson: Brains are a weird little thing, aren't they?

[52:51] Loren Hunter: It's very strange. They're so complex and they do weird stuff when, you know, cameras are on you.

[52:57] Kimberley Hodgson: Yeah. Incredible. Well, I think that's a great place to wrap up.

[53:03] Loren Hunter: What, this bit? Hopping forward.

[53:06] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, God. Hopping forward, hopping back. So ashamed.

[53:09] Loren Hunter: I'd love it. Well, Lauren Kimbley, thank you so much for jumping on.

[53:13] Kimberley Hodgson: Of course. What a pleasure. This has been an absolute treat. And thank you so much and congrats with the show. No, you went to Melbourne, so you go to Brizzy, and then you're going to Aotearoa as well, New Zealand.

[53:23] Loren Hunter: Yes, correct.

[53:24] Kimberley Hodgson: Yes. That's very exciting.

[53:26] Loren Hunter: Yeah, it's very exciting. I've never been before, so I'm.

[53:28] Kimberley Hodgson: You've never been to New Zealand?

[53:29] Loren Hunter: Neither.

[53:30] Kimberley Hodgson: Neither of us have. I'm so excited.

[53:32] Loren Hunter: Make sure you get to Queenstown when you're there.

[53:34] Kimberley Hodgson: Okay.

[53:35] Loren Hunter: Yeah, yeah. This isn't pod talk. This is just general life advice. Get to Queenstown.

[53:39] Kimberley Hodgson: Okay.

[53:40] Loren Hunter: It's by far the best city in the country.

[53:41] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, beautiful.

[53:42] Loren Hunter: Yeah. Apparently the flying to Queensland or Queenstown or fly out.

[53:45] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, it's stunning.

[53:46] Loren Hunter: Yeah, apparently.

[53:48] Kimberley Hodgson: Beautiful.

[53:49] Loren Hunter: Yeah, gorgeous. Apparently beautiful walks there too.

[53:51] Kimberley Hodgson: Oh, gorgeous. Stunning walks. Yes.

[53:53] Loren Hunter: Thanks, Justin. You're the best.

[53:56] Kimberley Hodgson: Thank you so much. This has been lovely.

[53:58] Loren Hunter: Thank you. And that's basically it.

[54:00] Kimberley Hodgson: Ciao.

[54:03] Justin Clarke: A massive thank you to Kimberley Hodgson and Lauren Hunter for joining us on our final episode of the Theatre Thoughts podcast for 2024. Sixth The Musical is currently playing at the Theatre Royal in Sydney until the 28th of December before transferring to Brisbane from January 2025, Auckland in February, and then finally back to Newcastle in April of 2025. Tickets can be booked at sixththemusical.com.au or by heading to this episode's description. This episode was produced by Echidna Audio. Follow them on Instagram at echidnaaudio for all their audio services. Once again, if you enjoyed our podcast, leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts and head to the link in this episode's description for our Instagram account, TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon. My name's Justin Clark, and I'll see you next time here on the Theatre Thoughts podcast.