Rhonda Burchmore

Rhonda Burchmore, a Sydney native, has captivated audiences since she was just two years old, mastering the arts of singing, acting, and dancing. Her talent earned her a scholarship to the University of New England, where she majored in Theatre Arts, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career in entertainment.

Burchmore gained international fame for her portrayal of Kate in the 1982 film, *The Pirate Movie*. Her breakout moment in Australian theatre came in 1988 with the production of *Sugar Babies*, where she starred alongside Garry McDonald and Eddie Bracken. She later took her talents to the West End, performing the same role opposite legends Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller. During her time in the UK, she also appeared in a revival of *Stop the World – I Want to Get Off*.

Recognized for her unique abilities, playwright David Atkins crafted a role for her in the celebrated tap musical *Hot Shoe Shuffle*. In 1997, Burchmore made headlines by launching the Crown Casino in Melbourne with her cabaret show, *Red Hot & Rhonda*, performing to over 60,000 attendees. That same year, she debuted on Broadway in *Easter Parade* and starred in *Into the Woods* with the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Burchmore has released four albums, including her self-titled debut in 1998, and is well-known for her appearances on the beloved Australian variety show *Hey Hey It's Saturday*. She has continued to shine in various productions, taking on roles in *Mame*, *Annie Get Your Gun*, *Mamma Mia!*, and many more. With critical acclaim for her performances in *Iolanthe* and *Die Fledermaus* with the Victorian Opera, her talent remains a fixture of Australian theatre. In 2013, she added to her impressive repertoire by performing in Trevor Ashley's *Little Orphan trAshley*.