An Australian entertainer who has been delighting audiences for the better part of the past four decades, Rhonda Burchmore is a local icon.
A regular on Carol By Candlelight and 'Spicks & Specks' throughout the years, Rhonda has also appeared on the small screen guest starring in 'Love Child' as well as the movie adaption of 'Kath & Kim'.Last year, Rhonda was introduced to a younger audience when she placed third in 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!', while she is set to feature in Channel 7's new comedy series 'Fam Time' as Grandma Viv.
Rhonda's new show, 'GLAMAZONIA', sees the star (who came to prominence in several London West End productions in the lat '80s) return to the stage for an evening of glamour, empowerment and fabulousness as Rhonda shares songs, stories and secrets about surviving four decades in one of the world's most formidable industries.
Here, she shares a few tips for aspiring entertainers to follow.
1: Don't ever tell anyone your real age, especially the Wikipedia people. My rule of thumb is take ten years off, or let them guess.
2: Reinvention is key. Find new songs, current material and a range of interesting projects to keep your brand alive. I've done almost every musical, been a spokesperson for everything from instant coffee to hearing aids, and entertained everyone from Princess Diana to the locals in the outback. Diversify yourself and never turn down a good challenge. Keeping your profile active on your social media channels is also very important, by updating your audience with new headshots, showreels and day-to-day tidbits to keep them engaged.
3: The occasional jab never hurt anyone – and I'm not talking about AstraZeneca or Pfizer. If you look at everyone in the entertainment industry, they've had more fillers and botox than I've had hot dinners. I recommend a little help from a trusted clinic, but don't go too far. The more you have, the more you will need to maintain.
4: Always treat everyone with the same respect and kindness. Treat your dresser or stage doorman the same as you treat your leading man. Respect and kindness is key. After 40 years in this business, this is truly my motto and I still have many friends and colleagues from throughout my career who are happy to help me.
5: Don't pigeonhole yourself into one particular style of music or entertainment. I have always jumped from jazz to musical theatre to cabaret – even opera. I've sung everything from ABBA to Gilbert & Sullivan to Miley Cyrus. Try to learn as many skills as possible, so you can be a true triple threat. Singing, dancing and acting – you can never stop learning from others to improve your craft.
Rhonda Burchmore GLAMAZONIA 2022 Tour Dates
Fri 25 Feb - Jetty Memorial Theatre (Coffs Harbour)Sat 26 Feb - Capitol Theatre (Tamworth)
Thu 31 Mar - Redland Performing Arts Centre (Brisbane)
Fri 1 Apr - HOTA (Gold Coast)
Sat 2 Apr - The Events Centre (Sunshine Coast)
Fri 8 Apr - Armitage Centre (Toowoomba)
Sat 9 Apr - The J Noosa (Sunshine Coast)
Sun 10 Apr - Moncrieff Entertainment Centre (Bundaberg)
