Since graduating last year, Pippa Luscombe (Musical Theatre, 2024) has sailed from the classroom to the helm of Rodgers and Hammerstein 80th anniversary production of Carousel. In a full circle moment, Pippa secured the role of Julie, whose song, ‘If I Loved You’, happened to be one of her audition pieces for NIDA. We spoke to Pippa about navigating this beloved classic, what it’s like to perform on a luxury cruise ship and the lessons from NIDA that keep her grounded even when the stage isn’t.
Congratulations on landing the lead of Julie in Carousel during its 80th anniversary! What was it like stepping into such an iconic role at such a special time for the musical?
Thank you so much! Being part of Carousel was an incredible experience which I am so grateful for. Widely regarded as one of the most influential musicals of the 20th century, Carousel was groundbreaking for integrating song and dance to advance the plot and heighten emotional stakes in musical theatre productions. It was also among the first musicals to tackle complex, dark themes such as domestic violence, death, and redemption — issues that remain relevant today. Its impact inspired generations of musical theatre creators, including Stephen Sondheim, who often cited Carousel, particularly the Soliloquy, as a model for storytelling through song. I feel truly blessed to have contributed to this show’s rich legacy.
You performed aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth to a packed-out audience of 950. What was it like performing on a ship and is it different from performing on a stage?
Performing in Cunard’s Royal Court Theatre honestly feels like being in a glamorous 1930s West End theatre, until the ship starts moving and you’re reminded that you are, in fact, on a boat. Most of the time you barely notice it, but every now and then the curtains sway and you have to really engage your core to stay steady. It’s a bit disorienting at first, but you get used to it, and it actually adds a fun sense of spontaneity to each show. Playing to full houses in such a beautiful space was just incredible, an experience I’ll never forget.
What was the rehearsal process like for Carousel, and were there any standout moments that shaped your performance?
Rehearsals were held at Opera Australia (OA) and City of Sydney Creative Studios, which were both amazing spaces. Working at OA was especially surreal, constantly overhearing orchestral and vocal rehearsals for various opera productions, walking past racks of costumes, and sneaking glimpses of the sets was incredibly inspiring. Working under our director, Julia Robertson, was an amazing experience; she’s a true visionary. Carousel is an older show with challenging themes, however Julia was able to approach them with sensitivity and respect while still honouring Rodgers and Hammerstein’s intentions. That process really helped the show resonate with modern audiences and allowed me to fully explore the nuances and complexities of my character.
You’ve had a long love of music and singing, where did that passion begin and how has it evolved through your training and career?
Performing has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, spending any free time I had outside of class in drama clubs, choirs, bands and dance lessons. My passion for singing really began around eight-years-old when I watched my primary school music teacher perform Andrea Bocelli’s ‘Time to Say Goodbye‘ at Sydney’s Town Hall. It was a lightbulb moment, which sparked my desire for a career in the performing arts, originally dreaming of becoming an opera singer. I began singing lessons at ten, and in Year 7 I performed in my first musical, Beauty and the Beast, which shifted my focus to musical theatre. I completely fangirled over the girl playing Belle, Dani Caruso (Musical Theatre, 2021), with the hopes of being just like her when I grew up. Funnily enough, she went on to study the Diploma of Musical Theatre at NIDA, the same course I later completed. Definitely a full-circle moment!
You performed ‘If I Loved You’ during your NIDA audition and now you’ve sung it centre stage as Julie aboard a ship as well as on land at the Pavilion Arts Centre. How did it feel to return to that piece in such a powerful, full-circle moment?
Performing ‘If I Loved You’ for the first time on the cruise to a packed theatre was a surreal, almost out-of-body experience — one of those moments that truly reminds you why you love this work. Returning to the Pavilion Arts Centre was equally special since I grew up performing there as a child. Coming back as an adult to perform on that same stage felt incredibly nostalgic and deeply meaningful to me.
How did your training at NIDA prepare you to take on this role and are there any lessons you draw on while rehearsing/on stage?
NIDA has shaped me not only as a performer but also as a person, influencing how I approach life both on and off stage. Beyond the technical skills of singing, acting and dancing, I’ve developed vital interpersonal skills, such as effective communication and collaboration, how to listen and respond to my body during periods of stress and how to embrace the unknown. These lessons from NIDA have been invaluable in preparing me for this role and more broadly, professional work in this industry.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully many more exciting and fulfilling opportunities! There are a few projects on the horizon that I’m looking forward to and keen to get started on. In the meantime, I’m doing what I can to consistently upskill and develop as an artist, whether that’s going to classes, seeing shows, reading, or studying. Naturally, I love musical theatre, but I’m also very interested in stage and screen acting and would love to get more involved in these areas in the future.
Want to learn more about NIDA’s Diploma of Musical Theatre? Click here.
Header Image: Headshot of Pippa Luscombe by Bree Bain Photography.