Putting on the Glitz: The fascinating past careers of Pink Flamingo’s cabaret crew
From a Bieber backing dancer, to Australian Idol finalist, a teenager, and Elvis biopic actors - meet the city’s 13 performers behind Pink Flamingo. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
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GOLD Coast cabaret club The Pink Flamingo has launched its latest show, and these are the performers bringing a whole lot of Glitz back to the Glitter Strip.
1. GEMMA GODWIN (37), (dancer, ‘The Diva’)
What is your role in Glitz?
I’m a dancer and my character is ‘The Diva’. She’s a good fit for me as she is confident and experienced within the industry which I can relate to.
It’s fun to play the character a little more arrogant than I hopefully am in real life.
How did you enter the industry?
I have danced from the moment I could walk.
My mum was a dancer and was still performing throughout my childhood so I naturally followed in her footsteps. I have not stopped performing since.
My very first paid job was in a production of the Wizard of Oz where I played the cowardly lion. Since then I have been lucky enough to perform all over Australia and throughout the world.
Career highlights?
For a brief period I stepped away from dancing and performed as the lead in a stunt show at Universal Studios in Japan and Singapore.
This was just the best experience stepping out of my comfort zone and delving into more of the acting and stunts side of things.
I’ve also been lucky enough to perform alongside some amazing artists including Sneaky Sound System, The Rogue Traders, DJ Havana Brown and Basement Jaxx.
You were part of the Elvis film production cast recently?
This was absolutely a career highlight! It was my first experience as a dancer in film. I played a burlesque dancer led by the incredible Kate Worwald who I have always looked up to. Being among the many extras, cast and crew for long days and nights of shooting was such a buzz.
I was in scenes with the lead who played Elvis, Austin Butler and also Tom Hanks and they were both so kind and genuine and happy to chat with all of us which was so surreal.
Also being given directions from the man himself Baz Luhrmann – who is such an icon in the film industry. It’s something I will never forget.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
I have always loved working with and alongside the team. It was a no-brainer to accept. Getting to perform every week with an incredible and professional team in your home town is so rare and special.
Do you believe the Pink Flamingo is world class?
Absolutely. Australia doesn’t have a lot of ongoing performing venues and Pink Flamingo always puts on world-class shows.
The standard of performers involved are so high and most have performed worldwide themselves. We are so lucky to have a venue like this in the city.
Why is The GLITZ unique?
The Glitz is such a fun concept. It touches on all the glam that is Hollywood in the 1920s, including the prohibition era.
Most of the world has experienced their own, unique kind of ‘prohibition’ over the past two years and we are just now getting back to normality being able to go out and have a good time again.
The Glitz is a perfect representation of this being a fun, exciting place to let go, enjoy life and party.
What do you love most about the Pink Flamingo?
The venue itself is epic. As soon as you walk in you are transported to another world with the lavish fit out. You could forget you are in your own backyard on the Gold Coast.
My most loved feature though is the cast and crew. We have worked so hard together to put something wonderful on that stage and getting to work with a hilarious bunch of characters everyday is pretty amazing.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
I’m hoping there are going to be many of these over the next year. We have such an eclectic mix of performers, there are always so many laughs and fun times.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
After many years of living and performing overseas I have made the Gold Coast my permanent home for the time being.
I am still performing regularly throughout the Gold Coast and Australia and having a regular spot at Pink Flamingo is just the icing on the cake.
I was transitioning into the management side of things within the entertainment industry which feels like a natural progression as a performer.
Entertainment is what I know and love so I would continue with this in a more behind the scenes role within corporate entertainment management.
2. AMY DOYLE (22), ‘MISS JUBILEE’
Time spent at the Pink Flamingo?
At the Pink Flamingo for just over three months.
What is your role in The GLITZ?
Miss Jubilee is a fun Vegas party girl but also keeps her sophistication intact.
90 per cent of the time I am a grandma and like to be tucked up in bed nice and early so I really have to channel that other 10 per cent to play the ‘party’ side of the role.
I do think it’s a good role for me since it combines character work with dance, which I love.
How did you enter the industry?
I have been a performer since day dot. I started training when I was two and started getting serious in the industry as soon as I could straight after school.
Career highlights?
Dancing in the Baz Luhrmann ‘Elvis’ film last year was a highlight. I also got to perform with Sheppard and Kate Miller Heidke in December.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
I think it immediately developed a reputation for itself as a place that any performer on the coast would want to be involved in. It has always been a very appealing place to work so when auditions came around it was a no-brainer.
Why is The GLITZ unique?
Everybody loves the ‘20’s! I don’t know why an escape to this era hasn’t come to the Gold Coast sooner!
What do you love most about the Pink Flamingo?
I love that on the way from the entrance stairs to the dressing room, you walk past every employee in the venue.
It’s a very practical way to say hi to everyone and since everyone is so friendly it’s always a nice way to start the night.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Falling flat on my toosh last week from wearing a headpiece the size of a small fridge was pretty funny. It threw me very off balance and I fear it won’t be the last time.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
I would be back up dancing for Celine Dion in Vegas. That’s not true at all but if I’m going to make up a hypothetical situation I’m going to make it the best one possible.
3. MATT CHADWICK (38), ‘THE CROONER’
What is your role in the GLITZ?
This is my first contract at The Pink Flamingo. I just moved back to Australia after 12 years living overseas. I’m playing the role of ’The Crooner’.
It’s a perfect fit. I’ve been singing jazz for 10 years. I even owned a jazz bar in Japan where I was the resident singer. So playing this role feels like home.
How did you enter the industry?
I’ve been performing since I was around 10. I learnt to sing from watching Disney’s ‘Aladdin’. My first professional gig was playing one of the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music on stage.
Career highlights?
Australian Idol Top 12 finalist in the first season. The Idol national tour, playing the lead in award-winning theme park shows, owning an award-winning jazz bar in Japan, recording an original album in New York … and singing drunk karaoke duets with Lady Gaga in a dive bar in Japan.
Australian Idol was nearly 20 years ago now, but it was a huge learning experience. It taught me a lot about the industry, and myself in the process.
Since it was the first series, no-one knew what to expect. All the contestants formed a solid bond pretty quickly, and have remained friends ever since.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
The Pink Flamingo opened while I was overseas, so I only knew what I’d seen on social media. Once I was home and saw the show live in person, I was absolutely blown away.
I knew straight away that it was something I wanted to be a part of.
I’d consider myself a ‘singer who can move’ more than a dancer, although I was up for any challenge that was thrown at me.
Even after 20 years in the industry, there’s always room to improve, learn and grow.
What do you love most about the Pink Flamingo?
The energy from the cast and crew.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
To be honest, in my life right now, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
4. TORI HASSELMEYER (26), ‘THE GODDESS’
What is your role in The GLITZ?
I’m a dancer and my character is The Goddess. Playing this role is empowering and feels amazing on stage.
How did you enter the industry?
My first ever gig was being a magician assistant when I was 15, being locked in a box.
Career highlights?
I have worked in Macau, China in the Galaxy Casino in a variety show and what an amazing experience. I back up danced for Paulini, Timmy Trumpet, Alfie Arcuri & Natalia Conway.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
I first watched La Teaze in 2021 and I fell in love with the vibe, the venue and everything about it.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Dressing room chats that probably shouldn’t leave the dressing room.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo what would you be doing?
Hopefully I’m still dancing somewhere. It’s a privilege to do what you love and get paid to do it. I would also be working as a personal trainer in my boutique home gym.
5. RILEY CARTER (22), ‘THE TEASE’
What is your role in The GLITZ?
I am a dancer and aerialist. I play “The Tease”. I absolutely love this role. I portray the perfect mixture of sexy but shy.
I want attention from the audience but they are only allowed to look, not touch! I’m what they have always wanted but can’t have.
How did you enter the industry?
I have been dancing since the age of three and grew up dancing in local competitions.
My professional life as a performer started at 16 when I started gigging for Chase Creations and Aerial Angels – I have never looked back
Career highlights?
Dancing for Sneaky Sound System and filming for Baz Luhrmann’s new Elvis film.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
The atmosphere at the Pink Flamingo is one in a million. It is truly amazing. The team has created something so special and it’s on home soil.
Do you believe the Pink Flamingo is world class?
Gold Coast has never had something like this. Queensland and Australia don’t have a venue like this. It’s more than a show – it’s funny, entertaining, glamorous and sexy.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Jerome is such a highlight at the Pink Flamingo but our backstage banter and ongoing jokes are just the best. We all have such big personalities that all just mesh so well.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
Before the Pink Flamingo I was a dance teacher for ages three to 30 and I absolutely loved it. I think if I hadn’t been offered the Pink Flamingo I would be trying to expand my teaching career.
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6. RUDI TESTA (48), MONSIEUR JEROME
Your role?
My initial role was maitre’d. As the Pink Flamingo is an immersive entertainment experience, it wasn’t long before I transitioned from front of house to front and center stage.
As this venue focuses heavily on unique audience experiences and engagement, I was more than happy to embrace the hosting role under the spotlight and develop rapport with guests who always become repeat guests.
How did you enter the industry?
Played little boy blue in grade two.
Can you recall your first gig?
First paid gig was a trio of singers working for east Keillor City Council in Victoria.
Career highlights?
Final show of Suave at the Pink Flamingo.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Too many to mention. It is a daily laugh for us.
7. ALINA SUVORINA (25), ‘THE BOND GIRL’ (RESPLENDENCE DUO/JORDAN’S SKATE PARTNER)
What is your role in The GLITZ?
I am an acrobat. My character is a dangerous “Bond Girl”.
My stage name is Femme Fatale. I would say the character suits my personality because I’m a “stoic Russian”, as some of my friends would say.
I love being part of a duo because we are stronger in pairs.
How long have you been a duo? How often do you train together?
We have been in a partnership for almost four years. We train together three days per week for four to five hours. We do shows on top of this.
How much do you trust your partner?
I trust my partner more than I trust myself most of the time. If he’s confident then I feel more confident.
Any bad falls? Close calls?
We haven’t had any major injuries; only small injuries (mainly fingers, wrists and shoulders). We train our tricks in a harness for a few months before doing them unassisted. This makes things safe. Of course we’ve had many falls, but nothing too major.
How did you enter the industry?
I grew up training in dance. After finishing high school, Jordan and I were paired up together through a mutual acrobatics teacher and we have trained together ever since.
I think my first gig was a cancan dance gig with my best friend for Bastille day.
Career highlights?
The majority of my work has taken place at the Pink Flamingo.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
I was lucky enough to be part of the first show. It was, and still is, a great career highlight.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
We have cast pranks backstage almost every show. Most shows we try to scare one of the dancers who is easily frightened. One show I hid in a laundry basket and jumped out at her. She almost wet herself.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
We would love to perform in Europe. Our dream show is the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
8. JORDAN SMITH (27), AKA THE GANGSTA (RESPLENDENCE DUO/ALINA’S SKATE PARTNER)
What is your role in The GLITZ?
Acrobat and my character is a James Bond style villain.
How much do you trust your partner?
100 per cent. We wouldn’t be able to do our job without it being that way.
Any bad falls? Close calls?
Of course we have had some stacks especially in the early stages of learning roller skating. Luckily, there have been no serious injuries.
How did you enter the industry?
I have always been a dancer and acrobat and always knew that performing is something I would do. My first paid contract was for Winter Wonderland at Dreamworld Australia in 2009.
Career highlights?
I loved travelling with Norwegian Cruise Lines but the most rewarding is working with my partner at the Pink Flamingo.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Every single show there is something unbelievably funny happening backstage.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t at the Pink Flamingo, I would still be performing with Alina but probably somewhere throughout Europe.
9. NICHOLAS MENA (30) ‘THE PLAYER
Role in The GLITZ?
I’m a dancer and a character who likes a good time and lives a luxurious lifestyle.
His spiritual nature allows him to connect deeply with everyone at any party he goes to. He represents royalty, wealth and the divine masculine.
I really enjoy playing this character as it allows me to tap into my masculinity and explore that side without losing my soft, adventurous and playful personality.
How did you enter the industry?
My first ever paid gig was for Stereosonic where I got to dance for Tiesto and Avicii back in 2007. It’s where I made a lot of connections and slowly made my name in the Melbourne dance scene.
Career highlights?
I’ve had the incredible chance to be contracted to dance for Aerial Angels in Viva Tropicana Hong Kong. I’ve also danced for Justin Bieber as well as Jessica Mauboy and both artists were such a pleasure to work for.
I was also part of a Kylie Minogue video clip choreographed by Rafael Bonachela and that whole experience was special to me.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
The Pink Flamingo is iconic. The venue creates an amazing fantasy for people.
I have worked for (director) Sue previously. She just knows how to bring good, humble and fun people together, so it’s a real dream.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Always during backstage moments and at rehearsals.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
In all honesty, I had manifested being here the first time when I saw the show a few years ago. So I love that I am here doing what I love.
But a another trip to Mykonos, I would welcome with open arms.
10. ZARYNA, (16) CONTORTIONIST, AKA ‘THE PRODIGY’
What is your role in The GLITZ show?
I perform a hand balance feature act and am an aerialist. I am ‘The Prodigy’.
What age did you begin performing?
Starting training at four and started performing professionally at 13 years of age.
How did you discover your contortionist talent?
I tried gymnastics when I was young but I didn’t like it.
How often do you train to be an acrobat?
I train four to five days per week. I do different types of training each day to keep it interesting.
Does the cast take you under their wing – look out for you?
They do. Everyone is very kind and thoughtful.
What do your friends think of you having this adult job?
I don’t really chat to my school friends about it as I am not sure they really understand what I do.
How do you balance your contortionist talent with school and study?
I enjoy school work so juggling the two is not too hard.
Could you share with us your career aspirations?
I would one day love to travel the world performing in Cabaret shows.
Career highlights?
The Glitz of course.
Who do you look up to?
My coach, Mr Ben Nicolodi
What do you love most about the Pink Flamingo?
The people I get to work with and the show. The cast are all so inspiring.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
Keeping up my training.
The Pink Flamingo Broadbeach: Jordan McKnight contortionist signs on to Gold Coast cabaret club
11. SIENNA TUPAEA (21) ‘THE VAMP’
What is your role in The GLITZ?
A dancer and aerialist. It’s been really exciting, exploring and finding my character in this production. My character is a bit of a flirt. She’s sexy and confident.
How did you enter the industry?
I’ve always been a performer and had my first gig at the age of 17, performing at a huge corporate event.
Career highlights?
I’ve done two overseas cruise ship contracts, a few local productions and worked on film and television; but working at the Pink Flamingo has got to be one of my favourite contracts to date.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Rehearsals are so much fun and are probably one of my favourite things about creating a new show.
If you weren’t performing at the Pink Flamingo, what would you be doing?
I have no idea! Just kind of enjoying the ride.
12. CRISTIAN FALCON (33), ‘THE REBEL’
What is your role in The GLITZ?
I am a dancer in the show and my show name is The Rebel. I am from Argentina and English is my second language.
First gig?
With Sue Porrett for Aerial Angels in Hong Kong about four years ago.
Aerial Angels cast me in a show for Ocean Park – the show was called Viva Tropical.
It was such a great contract. When they asked if I would be interested in coming to Australia to work in another show I was super excited. I had never been to Australia before.
We understand you are in every show at Pink?
I love that I am versatile and able to perform in all the different shows – some shows are for the ladies and some shows are for the men. Swapping my persona to suit the different shows keeps it interesting.
Quirkiest/funniest moment at the Pink Flamingo?
Too many to name – we have loads of backstage jokes all the time – we laugh all the time.
13. SAM HRYCKOW (48), THE BELLBOY
What is your role in The GLITZ?
I’m 48 going on 21, Miguel the bellboy. My character is a comedic role accompanied with some good old circus tricks.
Career highlights?
Did a play with Magda Szubanski. She’s as lovely as you would imagine. I also performed at Glastonbury.
What attracted you to the Pink Flamingo?
I’ve known Sue Porrett for 20 years and love and respect her and everything she’s done.
I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to audition for her late 2020 and step into a role for the previous show, Suavé, for the last four months of that show.
Do you believe the Pink Flamingo is world class?
I have worked and performed all over the world, and I would definitely say that the Pink Flamingo venue and cast are of a world class standard.
What do you love most about the Pink Flamingo?
The intimacy of the venue. You can literally reach out and touch the audience.
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