Learn your Defying Gravity concert stars well! Helen Dallimore

Defying Gravity, a world premiere concert celebrating the work of acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz, will premiere at Sydney’s Theatre Royal for three performances only on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February 2016.

If you’re a fan of international musical theatre, you won’t want to miss this exciting musical event! It has a stellar line up of performers – headlined by none other than Tony Award-winning Sutton Foster and Broadway heartthrob Aaron Tveit, and features renowned West End star Joanna Ampil, Broadway and film icon Betty Buckley, and two of Australia’s own talents Helen Dallimore and David Harris.

At the concert you’ll hear Stephen Schwartz classics such as Day by Day, Colors of the Wind, When You Believe, Popular, Corner of the Sky, Beautiful City, Meadowlark and, of course, Defying Gravity.

In the lead up to the concert, we want to make sure you know everything you need to know about these talented stars, and about Stephen Schwartz, the man behind the magic, so we have created a handy series of beginners’ guides to all these big names! First up in the series is Aussie and UK performer, Helen Dallimore. Put your learning caps on, and make sure to book your tickets now – they’re  selling fast!

Helen Dallimore 101

Who she is:

Helen Dallimore is a NIDA graduate, who has gone on to have a great career on stage and screen both in Australia and the UK. She is renowned for creating the role of Glinda in the original West End cast of Wicked, opposite Idina Menzel. In the UK she has also starred in Into the Woods and Too Close to the Sun.

In Australia, you may have seen Dallimore as Paulette in Legally Blonde (for which she won the 2013 Helpmann award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical) or more recently at the Hayes Theatre Co in Blood Brothers. Dallimore’s other theatre credits include Spring Awakening, The Republic of Myopia, Daylight Saving, Tartuffe and many productions for the Sydney Theatre Company.

Dallimore has also had a successful screen career both in TV and film. She has appeared in many feature films such as Body in the Yard, Mother’s Milk, The Sugar Factory and Russian Doll. She has also appeared in TV movies as well as made guest appearances in Wonderland, House Husband, Home and Away, All Saints, and Midsomer Murders amongst others.

Recently, Dallimore has directed both High Society and The Fantasticks at the Hayes Theatre Co.

@Helen_Dallimore

Shows she’s worked on:

Legally Blonde (Australia), Wicked (London), Into The Woods (London), Too Close to the Sun (London), Blood Brothers (Australia), Spring Awakening (Australia), The Republic of Myopia (Australia), Daylight Saving (Australia), Tartuffe (Australia), Harbour (Australia), Up For Grabs (Australia), Hanging Man (Australia), The Unlikely Prospect of Happiness (Australia), Pentecost (Australia) and The Wharf Revue (Australia).

Awards:

2013 Helpmann Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Legally Blonde and 2015 Helpmann Nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Blood Brothers.

Fun Fact:

Dallimore originated the role of Glinda on the West End in Wicked and was asked to reprise her role in the Australian production but declined.

Essential viewing:

Dallimore shows off her comedic chops in this spoof with Lucy Durack.

Defying Gravity

Three shows only
Friday 12 February 8pm and Saturday 13 February 3pm & 8pm
www.defyinggravitytheconcert.com