Jillian Hewson
Jillian is well known to South Island audiences as a versatile singer, performer, teacher and adjudicator.
She began training as a classical singer and, after studying in London with David Harper, returned to perform as Jillian Bartram, throughout New Zealand in opera, recitals, and as a soloist with major choral societies. She reached the finals of the Sydney Sun Aria and was awarded third in the New Zealand Mobil Song Quest.
Jillian later developed a passion for music theatre and lists among her favourite roles, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, the Witch in Into the Woods, the First Lady in The Magic Flute, and Mercedes in Carmen. Her personal favourite was appearing as part of the company in the Court Theatre’s 15th Anniversary production of Sweeney Todd.
She appeared in the finals of TVNZ’s Showcase entertainment show with Helen Charlton in 1998.
In 2005, Jillian had the opportunity to use her varied talents in Christchurch’s only professional dinner theatre company. She has since performed locally and on tour in eight Red Rose dinner theatre productions. In 2007, she trod the boards in her first straight acting role with the Christchurch Repertory Theatre’s production of Cosi, appearing as Cherry.
Jillian continues to teach singing, to adjudicate performing arts competitions throughout the South Island, and to perform throughout New Zealand.