A Quick Chat With Ross Hannaford

We catch up with Ross Hannaford from Wicked.

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always been surrounded by theatre, with three older sisters who danced and parents who were really supportive and encouraging of a career in theatre. Working in musicals as a child had a great influence on my future and helped cement a career as an adult in the industry.

Who is the most important person in the world to you?
I can’t really pick one person. My family are my great constant and I can’t imagine the world without them.

What animal best represents you and why?
I was told the other day that I sounded and looked like a dolphin. (Not sure if that’s good or bad)

If you were a contestant on Deal or no Deal, how much would you need to be on offer before you walked away?
Hard to say. “Megaguess” “Boo yeah” “Double Deal” Have I said too much. Maybe I’d ask Walter for a loan!

What’s the worst date you’ve ever had?
When I suggested to the nameless party, as a joke, that we should do a runner and not pay for our coffees. Sternly & dryly they replied “No”, not seeing the humour in it at all. It was at that point I knew it was never going to work. (Maybe I need to work on my humour)

Windows or Mac?
Mac, it speaks to my phone like they are related!

Which spice girl was your favourite?
Sporty Spice! Belty Mel C. I was never a massive fan of the whole group though!  “Spice World” – what a terrible movie.

Who is the actor you would be most likely to work alongside?
I’m not sure! But I have always wanted to work along side my sister Esther one day.

What five songs would be the first you put on a mix tape?
Definitely “Wind beneath my Wings”, “I will always love you”, “Love in the first degree”, “Endless Love” and bring it home with Shania Twain’s “From this Moment”!

What is the best thing about theatre in Australia?
Even though the amount of theatre in Australia is significantly less then in more established industries like Broadway and the West End, I think the quality of what is produced here is just as good! The community that is Australian Theatre is small and loving, and we are lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful people.

What is the worst thing about theatre in Australia?
As a performer I would have to say I wish there was more work and a greater variety.

Favourite food?
I Have a Wicked obsession with Cheese, which is forcing me to attend the gym everyday!

What would you do if you found a wallet on the ground?
I would most definitely hand it in. There is nothing worse then losing your wallet! Hand it in people!

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
It’s a toss up between working at the Pizza Hut Call Centre and being a junk mail deliverer. Good times!

What’s the first website you visit when you come online?
Hotmail!

Name one moment when you looked around, breathed happily and felt content?
When I had finished a torturous six month renovation on my house! It was a long road but in the end I was very happy and Very proud of my dad and myself.

Red or White?
Red

Where is the most interesting place you have travelled?
Working in Japan on “We Will Rock You”. It’s such a great place and I can’t wait to get back there. Such an explosion of East meets West, wonderful historic buildings and culture along side karaoke bars and shopping strips that are longer then you can imagine. Resting in an Onsen bath looking out at Mt Fuji after a hard day’s work on some of the best roller coasters and theme parks in the world! The people are so helpful and kind. It’s a must do!

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
The cast of Wicked met Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise after a show in Melbourne – they were lovely. It’s hard to imagine how life would be when you are that famous. It must be hard sometimes.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully working in a job I love surrounded by my beautiful friends and family, in love, happy and enjoying life as much as possible. Is that too much to ask for?