Alison Leonard is a familiar name and voice across Auckland and beyond, thanks to her career in radio and television. From 'Good Morning', 'Dancing With The Stars', The Breeze, and even 'Shortland Street', she has become a household name. With an infectious warmth and wit, it's hard to believe stand-up comedy hasn’t also been part of her repertoire. As a Shore local, Alison’s zest for life reflects not just a career in the limelight but a deep love for her community and the people around her.
Her love of dancing began at just five years old when she was drawn to the dazzling sequins of dancers at a competition. By eight, she was competing, eventually at an international level, before securing a place as a sharp-tongued judge on TVNZ’s 'Dancing With The Stars'. Alison fondly recalls the magic of that first season, especially the unexpected rise of Norm Hewitt, who surprised everyone with his skill and dedication. “The show changed the way people saw him,” Alison remembers, crediting that transformation to the power of performance.
It’s not uncommon, even 20-plus years since the first season aired, for people to stop Alison in the street as they remember Norm’s powerful paso doble, or the lighter moments from crowd favourites like Sir Paul Holmes with his 'Thriller' moves, or Beatrice Faumuina’s transition from track and field to top lines. It’s obvious from Alison’s smile that she enjoys these interactions. “Those first seasons really did capture the nation. We had a wonderful team, wonderful casts, and it was a pleasure to work within the walls of the great Avalon Studios - once one of the biggest purpose-built facilities in the Southern hemisphere.”
When Alison thinks back on her first taste of performing, she laughs at the thought of being kept home sick from school. She was upset about missing her class's poi performance, and in that moment, a spark for the stage was lit. From there, it was a natural progression to school musicals like 'Grease', where her very first performance helped make history; her school’s production was the first in Nelson to sell out before opening night. The joy of performing and the camaraderie of being part of something bigger continued to fuel her passion for the arts. Looking back, Alison reflects on the experience as both exhilarating and chaotic, a feeling that still resonates as she takes on new challenges today, including her current role in 'Così'.
“It’s a talented group of people,” she says about her cast mates. “They’re putting me to shame!”
'Così' is Alison’s third production with Phoenix Theatre after previously treading the boards in 'Ghost Writer' (2013) and 'Off The Hook' (2015). “I’m lucky to play one of the calmer characters in 'Così', which is a nice change. It’s fun to see the chaos developing around me as Aidan Allen (playing young director Lewis) tries to keep tabs on a bunch of residents of a mental asylum while they are hell-bent on staging a version of Mozart’s 'Così Fan Tutte'.” Does the opera within the play actually make it to the stage? “Sort of...” Alison says with her trademark smirk and buttery smooth voice.
As Alison speaks with Channel Magazine at Phoenix Theatre’s rehearsal space in Forrest Hill, she stresses the importance of community in both her personal and professional life. “Theatre’s fun,” she says with a smile. “It’s not just about the people on stage but the entire team that makes it happen – the crew, the designers, the sound and lighting techs. It’s a collaborative effort, and it’s that sense of community that draws me in.”
Alison’s connection to Auckland’s North Shore is undeniable. She proudly shares that she has lived on the Shore since 1997. The area’s natural beauty – its beaches and bush walks – is a huge part of why she loves calling this place home. “I’m a self-professed nemophilist and thalassophile,” Alison laughs, playfully describing her deep love for trees and the ocean. Whether walking the Centennial Park trail or grabbing ice cream in Takapuna, Alison finds peace in the nature that surrounds her.
It’s not just the physical beauty that draws her in – Alison has a deep appreciation for the arts scene on the Shore. She recently walked around Lake Pupuke near The PumpHouse Theatre, reflecting on the importance of cultural hubs like this. “That place is part of what makes the Shore so special.”
As a seasoned broadcaster now working with RNZ National, Alison recognises the profound impact community involvement has on wellbeing. “If it’s something that tickles your fancy, give it a go,” she insists. “Theatre, pottery – whatever it is – there’s always something to try, and you might just find a new passion. Community is what keeps us connected.”
Her return to the stage in 'Così' isn’t just about acting; it’s about being part of something bigger than herself, something she encourages everyone to experience, whether as an audience member or as part of a production.
Don’t miss your chance to see Alison Leonard play feisty social worker Justine in 'Così' at The PumpHouse from 20-29 March and experience the magic of community theatre at its best.
A strictly limited season, with six evening and three matinee performances available to book.
Tickets from $25 at pumphouse.co.nz/cosi
