Soprano Lucy Stoddart chats to SALIFE ahead of her career-defining role in State Opera South Australia’s Hansel & Gretel this August.
Tell us a bit about yourself in a nutshell
I’m an Adelaide-based soprano, and since joining State Opera South Australia in 2017, I’ve been lucky enough to perform in everything from La Bohème and Macbeth to Norma and my upcoming role in Hansel & Gretel, gradually making the leap from chorus to principal roles. When I’m not at the theatre belting out high notes, I’m usually teaching singing, drinking too much coffee, having a gossip at a wine bar, shopping, planning my next travel adventure or hitting the gym.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
My perfect day would start with a big sleep in (no alarm) and I’d wake up to the sound of an epic thunderstorm. I’d have a big snuggle with my dog, Archie, followed by a coffee in Glenelg with my partner. Shadow Baking is my fave for a piccolo.
Squeeze a workout in somewhere and drop home for a quick refresh before heading to King William Road to my favourite shop, Flourish, for a wander with no time or money limit.
A quick late lunch stop at Market St Café for their chicken and pistachio baguette (if you know, you know) before heading into the theatre to prep for an evening show. In an ideal world, I’ve got the big leading role and finish the night with thunderous applause!
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
I feel I am surrounded by kindness when I walk into the rehearsal room for the first time on a project. Meeting new colleagues and singing a new role can be daunting and I am constantly in awe of the kindness and generosity of my colleagues both new and old who have made the effort to connect with me and ease my nerves.
What is your favourite photograph?
I took this photo with my partner on an overseas trip. It felt like a quiet moment of solitude in an action-packed holiday as we walked home after a show. We saw 16 West End productions and operas. It was exhausting but unreal – an incredible time being immersed in the arts and performance culture overseas.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
Easy! I’d purchase an original Leonetto Cappiello advertisement poster from the 1920s. I adore the cartoon-esque quality of each print and the colours are incredible- advertising isn’t the same anymore.
Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
Premium tickets to the opera with a pre-performance dinner and champagne at Her Majesty’s. But… if the opera is sold out (or if I’m in it already) I’d run straight to Sage & Clare’s website and buy some home décor.
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A restaurant in SA you’d recommend?
My other half and I are in an ‘Eat Club’ with some friends of ours. Around once a month, we all get together to try a new restaurant or bar in Adelaide. Some of our favourites include Africola, East End Cellars and Sofia (the bread!!) but somehow, we always end up at Jennie’s Wine Bar on Peel St. Nothing beats it.
What was the last film/tv show you watched?
Last movie was Spirited Away… I loved it! Last TV show was New Girl – doing a re-watch and it’s still hilarious.
Favourite way to unwind?
I love going for a really long walk. I’m lucky to live close to the beach and a long walk in the fresh ocean air with a coffee stop along the way has healing powers.
Last book you read?
I’m in the middle of the ACOTAR series at the moment and loving it. I hadn’t really read anything since high school but now, I’m a total book nerd. It’s a fantasy so I’m really enjoying the other-worldly aspect of it. I have quite a few friends who are also reading the series which has made for a fun little book club.
Last song you listened to?
The Sandman’s aria from Hansel & Gretel. It’s a stunning piece and I love listening to different sopranos and understanding their individual approaches to the role. Aside from opera, at the top of my playlist is my all-time fave, You Rock My World by Michael Jackson.
Hansel & Gretel is on at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 21-29 August. Visit stateopera.com.au for more details.
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