In The Haus: Naomi Price
Following standing ovations across the country, Australia’s smash-hit stage spectacular ‘Rumour Has It’ returns bigger and bolder than ever, featuring the phenomenal Naomi Price. With a reputation for bringing Adele’s life story to vivid life through her world-class performances, Naomi is a seasoned stage performer and her portrayal of Adele’s journey promises an unmissable evening of story and song.
Naomi’s journey into the world of theatre is a testament to her passion and dedication. After graduating from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama), she made her professional debut in La Boite Theatre and has since tread the boards nationally and internationally. Theatre Haus spoke with Naomi about her inspirations and early influences who laid the foundation for her love of storytelling and performance.
We’d love to know more about the beginning of your career – where and how did you get your start?
I studied a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and made my professional debut in La Boite Theatre’s ‘The Wishing Well’ in 2008 in an all-star ensemble cast of Queensland’s finest actors. It was a baptism of fire, playing 122 characters between the 8 of us, but one I am so grateful for! I have always loved a challenge and this project kickstarted my passion for new
work, which has continued to this day.
What or who were some of your early influences or inspirations that shaped your career?
My high school drama teacher Liz Uren was a big inspiration to me. I loved her creativity and vision – the production of Dylan Thomas’ ‘Under Milk Wood’ she directed when I was in Grade 8 is still a vivid memory for me. I also joined a local youth theatre company when I was 10, under the direction of Darren Vallier. He gave me a mixtape of music theatre’s greatest hits and ignited my love of musicals – it opened up a whole new world of performance for me!
What are some of the most defining moments or milestones in your career so far?
The first time we took a show we wrote to the Sydney Opera House was pretty iconic! In January 2016, the original cast of ‘Rumour Has It’ performed 8 shows in 4 days (yes – it was brutal!) and my parents and sister were visiting from the UK, so it was incredibly special to share our debut with so many loved ones. We’ve been back many times since but the novelty never wears off – it’s a pretty special venue to play.
I’m also lucky to have performed in New York City, making my debut in February 2020 right before the world shut down as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for ‘YANK!’, a musical I did at Brisbane Powerhouse the year before. That was a truly amazing moment, not only to head to Broadway but also to represent the Australian cast on an international level.
What are you currently working on and how has that creative process been?
Currently, I am working on a national tour of ‘Rumour Has It’ which is heading to Sydney in May and Melbourne in June. I’m also in creative development for ‘Fancy Long Legs’, a co-production between Little Red, La Boite Theatre and Brisbane Festival which will debut in September this year. I’m adapting Rachel Burke’s children book for stage with original songs by Waveney Yasso and direction by Courtney Stewart. It’s one of the most joyful creative processes I’ve experienced, and I can’t wait to share this new children’s work in a few months’ time.
What’s in your rehearsal bag that you can’t go without?
Anyone who works with me knows that I cannot go onstage without brushing my teeth! I also love a steamer, a huge bottle of water and comfortable clothes, and refuse to start the day without a coffee.
Do you have a reading, teaching/advice, institution or resource that changed your life/perspective, which you’d recommend to others?
I think training in general is imperative to your growth as a performer. My university training wasn’t always amazing, but it shaped my opinions and ethos as an artist. In our graduating class, we have some of Queensland’s finest leaders and business owners – a group of entrepreneurs and go-getters who realised that no one was going to hand your future to you, you have to work for it yourself. I might not have received the greatest acting training in the world, but I was positioned to carve out my own path and work hard for the things I wanted.
What advice would you give to a young person today aspiring to walk in your shoes?
Being a small business owner, especially in arts and entertainment, is a wild ride – you need lots of grit, determination and self-belief. It will feel like you’re getting nowhere and then suddenly an opportunity will open up. You have to be patient and persevere. And don’t neglect your superannuation!
What are your future aspirations or projects that you’re excited about?
My dream role is Mrs Lovett in ‘Sweeney Todd’ and one day, I’m going to play it.
Theatre Haus is the ‘home of theatre’, where, what or who do you call home?
My home is wherever my amazing partner, brilliant stepdaughter and anxiety-riddled dog are – usually on the north side of Brisbane, Australia.
‘Rumour Has It’ continues its national Australian tour, playing at Sydney’s State Theatre on Friday 24 May and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Friday 28 June. For information about the show, visit the official ‘Rumour Has It’ website.
You can also stay up to date with Naomi’s work on her Instagram or Facebook page, or check out her company, The Little Red Co to see all the exciting things it’s doing!
Want to feature in our In The Haus series? Email [email protected].
