Simone gets creative for the Olympics

After a visit home to Australia, Simone has returned to London to work as part of the creative team for the ceremonies of the London Olympic Games. Working with Danny Boyle as part of the Mass Movement Team, Simone is busy putting together the creative for all four ceremonies of the Games. Rehearsing thousands of people within the Olympic Stadium began this week and Simone said the plans for the ceremonies are mind-blowing!

Simone relaunches West End Chicago

Simone is currently back on the West End stage in the relaunched Chicago the Musical at London's beautiful Garrick Theatre. Simone is playing the role of Annie in this hardworking ensemble, alongside Ugly Betty star America Ferrera (Roxie Hart) and Amra Faye Wright (Velma Kelly). Simone is also understudying the role of the sassy Velma Kelly.

Don't miss your chance to see Simone back in the West End until January. For more information and tickets visit Chicago the Musical UK's official website or visit Chicago the Musical London's Official Facebook page.

Coaching in Japan...

Simone spent much of September 2011 back in Japan conducting workshops and coaching classes for the world renowned Shiki Theatre Company.

This is the second time Simone has been asked back to Tokyo to share her musical theatre and dance skills with the Shiki company, one of the largest and most successful theatre companies in Japan.

The Most Incredible Thing - Sadler's Wells

Simone is thrilled to be part of the creative team in the role of Assistant/Rehearsal Director for the upcoming world premiere of The Most Incredible Thing at London's famous Sadler's Wells. This new full length dance work, based on the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name, boasts music by electronic pop legends the Pet Shop Boys, choreography by Javier De Frutos and stars Royal Ballet Principal Ivan Putrov.

The world premiere season of The Most Incredible Thing will be at Sadler's Wells from March 17 - 26. For more information and bookings visit Sadler's Wells website.

Simone in BBC's Sadie J

Simone was recently a guest on the new BBC teen sitcom Sadie J. The episode first aired in the UK January 11, 2011.

Update from Simone...

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd drop by to personally update you all on what I have been up to over the last few months. What a year 2010 has turned out to be - exciting projects, lot of offers, some agonising decisions and some fun world travels! And the year's not even over yet...

Earlier this year I did the workshop and press release for the new West End production, Shoes. It was such an innovative show and I was thrilled to be a part of it. A tough decision had to be made though. I was offered a major Australian television production, and after much agonising I withdrew from Shoes to return to Australia. Unfortunately at the eleventh hour, circumstances with the television production changed and my involvement with the project wasn't meant to be. But...onward and upward!

I had a really enjoyable time then being involved with creative workshops for two major upcoming West End productions - Flashdance and The Wizard of Oz. The latter is going to be a huge, exciting production at the Palladium with Michael Crawford having just signed on as the Wizard.

Time to leave the stage for a bit. I was cast in a new BBC television comedy series called Sadie Jones. More on that when it goes to air...

Next stop - Japan! I returned again to teach at the Shiki Theatre Company in Tokyo, where we held a very successful workshop for their upcoming productions. They are a lovely company to work with and I had a wonderful time being taken to all the Shiki Theatre Company's shows in Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto.

It was then time to drop in home to Australia. Much fun and good times catching up with family and friends. And a pit-stop at the Sydney Opera House to perform at the Helpmann Awards with all the lovely gals in the above photo! So now I am back in London ready for the next adventure to begin. Stay tuned...

Much love,
Simone x

2010 Helpmann Awards

Simone will be performing at the 2010 Helpmann Awards celebrations at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, September 6. The annual Helpmann Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in Australia's live performance sectors and this year celebrate their tenth anniversary. The 2010 Helpmann Awards will be broadcast live across Australia on Foxtel's STVDIO channel on September 6 at 8.30pm.