Julia Morris - Biography
Comedian
This loud and colourful personality can talk her way out of any situation, but can she put her vocal chords to better use?
“I saw the finale of It Takes Two last year and it looked like as much fun as you could fit in one lifetime. I am scared of not being serious enough for some of the musical styles.” Julia said.
Multi-Logie Award winner Julia grew up on the Central Coast, navigating her way through high school via stage musicals and music. A talented flautist, she attended Pan Pacific Music camps held by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
She became known throughout Australia when she appeared in comedy sketch show Full Frontal in the early nineties. This led to hosting roles on Great Aussie Bloopers, The Morris Report on In Melbourne Tonight and a regular spot on Beauty and the Beast. During this time, she was also part of TTFM’s breakfast team.
Julia moved to UK and quickly dominated London with her quick wit, appearing in a guest capacity on numerous British sitcoms, standup comedy, panel and quiz shows and entertainment news programs on both television and radio.
She hosted many programs including Men In Frocks, the BBC’s coverage of the 2005 & 2003 Eurovision Song Contest, Liquid News and was a regular on quiz shows Stephen Fry’s QI and Elvis Has Left The Building; and appeared in the BBC1 sitcoms Happiness and Not Going Out. UK radio credits include writing and starring in The Powder Room and Inner voices for BBC2 and regular Sunday host for LBC.
Julia regularly tours the comedy festival circuit, appearing at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, Vodacom Funny Festival (South Africa), Just For Laughs (Canada), Letterman Showcase (Sydney) and has supported Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Mark Curry and Ardal O’Hanlon.
In 2006, she was given a one year television development deal with New York production company Picture This TV.
Julia has toured all over the world and performed several one woman shows in London’s West End. Her theatrical credits include the drama Hunting Diana and musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!
Her UK successes in comedy were recognised with a Herald Angel Award – Excellence in Live Performance in 2001 and a Time Out Comedy Performer of the Year Award in 2004.
Upon returning to Australia, Julia has appeared on numerous talk shows and guested on Spicks & Specks and Thank God You’re Here. Last year, she presented The Singing Office for Fox 8.
Julia is currently performing in the Comedy Festivals with her new show Julia Morris in Shoosh Please! She kicks off the tour this year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, followed by the Cracker Comedy Festival in Sydney and then the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
Julia and her husband Dan are in the process of relocating to Australia with their 13-month old daughter Ruby.
David Hobson - Biography
Opera Singer
David Hobson is one of Australia’s best-known and favourite opera singers and he can now add dancer to his repertoire. But it’s all been by accident!
Having endeared himself to a mass television audience mentoring Erika HeynatzIt Takes Two, David’s dancing skills were put to the test when he appeared in last season’s Dancing with the Stars. It was a brave move as his unique dancing ability had been the subject of discussion but his efforts were rewarded with a final three finish.
In November 2007 David released his latest album, The Promise - an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary repertoire including two original compositions written by David.
Growing up David was interested in all forms of music, and in fact began his career fronting rock bands, but he attended the University of Melbourne with the view of becoming an economist or lawyer. The universe, however, had other plans and after television exposure whilst playing pop and jazz music and demonstrating some theatre work he had composed, The Victoria State Opera came knocking! Subsequently and unintentionally, he became an opera singer.
David has sung many lead roles for Opera Australia as a star tenor. He has also appeared with most of the State opera companies in Australia as well as making numerous concert appearances. Internationally, he has appeared with the San Francisco Opera.
David is also a composer and has proved a huge success in this area with compositions of a music theatre version of Macbeth, the chamber opera Remembering Rosie, and the soundtrack to the film, One Perfect Day, which was awarded Best Score by the Australian Film Critics Association.
He has been invited to perform at major events including the AFL Grand Final, Carols in the Domain, Carols by Candlelight and a concert in the Great Hall, Canberra for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
David has won numerous awards including a MO Award for Operatic Performer of the Year, the Sydney Critic's Circle Award, The Age Performing Arts Award for Best Performer in Opera, and an Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Award in 1998.
