Q&A with Bernadette Robinson of Songs For Nobodies

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Vocally trained by one of opera's greatest sopranos, **Dame Joan Hammond**, and fresh from her critically acclaimed run of *[**Songs For Nobodies**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/3308/songs-for-nobodies-tickets.aspx) *at Wilton's Music Hall in London last year, **Bernadette Robinson** is a force to be reckoned with and now she's back for her well-deserved West End transfer of the fabulous one-woman show, *Songs For Nobodies.* Though her performance schedule at the [**Ambassadors Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/58/ambassadors-theatre.aspx) is rather busy, we were fortunate enough to have a sit-down with the Australian singer and actress. **Read our Q&A with Bernadette Robinson below.**


### Q&A Session with the star of *Songs For Nobodies*, Bernadette Robinson The first performance of *Songs for Nobodies* at the Ambassadors Theatre was held on Wednesday night (9 January 2019). How did it go and what's it like to be performing at a new venue? **It was so exciting and nerve racking but luckily it went well! I love the new venue and I think it’s a perfect place to stage Songs for Nobodies. And just being on the West End is such a thrill.** Your one-woman show, *Songs For Nobodies,* has enjoyed phenomenal success and overwhelming critical acclaim for the past several years, even garnering a Helpmann Award nomination. What do you love the most about the production? **I think what I love the most about the show is the chance to evoke the voices of some of the greatest singers of all time, who happen to be women I grew up listening to and admiring, and portraying the “Nobodies” characters written for me by the playwright, Joanna Murray-Smith.** Of the many voices that you imitate so beautifully in *Songs For Nobodies* – Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline, Maria Callas, and Billie Holiday – which one would you say is your favourite, if you had to choose, and why? **Although I love all of them, Callas is very special to me, because she was such a great actress as well as a wonderful musician and singer, which made her performances all the more poignant**. You studied voice with the legendary Australian opera soprano, Dame Joan Hammond – what was the greatest piece of advice she had ever given you? **“Coraggio!” - she always told me to have courage.** If you had the chance to meet with Dame Joan Hammond one more time, what would you want to tell her and why? **That I’d finally found my courage.** What is the most challenging thing you face as a world-class singer and actress? **Being called those things!** You also frequently perform your hit shows *Pennsylvania Avenue* and *The Show Goes On.* Do you have any new projects in the works that you’d be willing to share? **At the moment I’m focusing on Songs for Nobodies, but I do have some things I’m thinking about and planning that I can’t say too much about!** Would you ever consider teaching a masterclass in opera singing in the future? Like at the Festival de Sablé, for example? **I don’t know whether I feel confident enough for that! The operatic piece I perform in *Songs For Nobodies* is very specific for the show, and I wouldn’t presume to coach other operatic singers.** Your performance schedule of *Songs For Nobodies* at the Ambassador’s Theatre is incredibly packed. Do you have any special plans during your downtime while in London? **Spending time with my family while they’re over here, reading a good book when I have the chance, and going out to dinner in some of London’s wonderful restaurants!** Other than to see one of the world's most talented (and fabulous) singers such as yourself, why should London theatregoers be swooping in for tickets to *Songs For Nobodies?* **I think people should see the show because it’s a witty and moving reflection of both our human insecurities and our desire to come into contact, even briefly, with celebrity. And it’s got great tunes!** * * * ### Your last chance to see *Songs For Nobodies* in London! West End show *[**Songs For Nobodies with Bernadette Robinson**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/3308/songs-for-nobodies-tickets.aspx)* has already received [overwhelming praise](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/london-theatre-review-songs-for-nobodies-at-the-ambassadors-theatre) from both audiences and critics alike and it is now playing at the [**Ambassadors Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/58/ambassadors-theatre.aspx) **until 23 February 2019**. ## Save up to £37 on *Songs For Nobodies* tickets! As part of our **special 2-for-1 ticket offer on *****Songs For Nobodies**, *you can now **save as much as £37**! This offer is **valid for all performances from now until Valentine's Day, 14 February 2019**! You don't want to miss the magnificent Bernadette Robinson grace the London stage. Book your tickets early for the best seats at the [**Ambassadors Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/58/ambassadors-theatre.aspx) and prepare to be amazed by Bernadette Robinson's stunning solo performance. [**Purchase your tickets to *Songs For Nobodies* at the West End's Ambassadors Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/3308/songs-for-nobodies-tickets.aspx). [**Read our London Theatre Review of *Songs for Nobodies* on our blog**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/london-theatre-review-songs-for-nobodies-at-the-ambassadors-theatre).

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By Nicholas Ephram Ryan Daniels

Ephram is a jack of all trades and enjoys attending theatre, classical music concerts and the opera.