Born in England, but whisked off to the Antipodes at the age of two, Alix scored her first professional role as a teenager in an early Bruce Beresford film, ‘The Getting Of Wisdom’. She continued her training in theatre, dance and singing whilst getting her BA and Dip Ed in English Literature, Music and Drama from Monash University, Melbourne. She then worked extensively as an actress, singer, comedienne and writer for film, television drama and sketch comedy (‘The Comedy Company’), theatre, musicals, radio and cabaret as well as mounting her own successful one-woman shows.
Concurrent to her busy performing career on stage, film and television, she
was the head of the Drama and Singing Departments at
The Dance Factory in Melbourne, and during her time there she developed her own highly
successful ‘Vocal Confidence Seminars’ for Speech
and Singing. Her unique
teaching method assisted students and professionals from all areas of the Performing Arts
and given Vocal Confidence to countless more outside the
profession in the Educational, Government and Business/Corporate
sectors. Vocal Confidence training is now as much in demand outside the Entertainment Industy as within.. as inspired clients have helped spread the word of its exponential value and application in both their professional and personal lives.
In 1994, Alix left Oz and travelled to New York where
she developed her stand up comedy and co-wrote and produced
a comedy show for radio. Since returning to London in 1995,
Alix has appeared in numerous musicals and theatre both on and off
the West End, including ‘Les Miserables’ and
‘Prisoner Cell-Block H – The Musical’
with Lily Savage as well as film, cabaret and radio. She featured in the Cannes 2004 Entry film,
'Mothers & Daughters' and was invited by old friend and colleague, Craig ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Revel Horwood, to perform in Grange Park Opera’s
‘South Pacific’. Alix's career has encompassed both new
and classical works, (full CV available upon request)
Alongside her exceptional ability to improve anyone's Vocal Confidence, one of Alix's other passions
is writing and working with new scripts and undiscovered artists – She played an
integral role in the development of Rocliffe (www.rocliffe.com)
a production company and forum for new writing for film,
television, radio and theatre where she donated her experience
in acting and directing alongside script development for four years.
2007-8
Alix promoted and personally & financially supported Australian musician, Paul Addie .. from whom integrity via open acknowledgment of credit and compensation still awaits..
Concurrently vocal coached and creatively directed Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlies..helping launch them from a monthly residency at the Soho Revue Bar in Central London to their debut in the West End at the Leicester Square Theatre..receiving great reviews both for Alix's direction and vocal training. (see below)
2010
Aug-Sep
Dialect coach and played the role of Meg in UK premiere of 'Hotel Sorrento' by Hannie Rayson - Directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher at the Cocktavern Theatre, London - (Aug 17th - Sep 11th, 2010)
http://www.remotegoat.co.uk/review_view.php?uid=5831
http://www.fringereview.co.uk/fringeReview/3647.html3647
http://www.extraextra.org/Review_Hotel_Serrento_2010.html
(see sample full review below)
- Sincerest gratitude and kudos to all the Hotel Sorrento cast and crew. xx
Oct 5th - Invited to give VOCAL CONFIDENCE Seminar to WFTV - (Women in Film & Television - www.wftv.org.uk ) See http://www.wftv.org.uk/wftv/events_pop.asp?event_id=5039&action=search
-
'Alix, I wanted to send a heart-felt thank you for an inspirational evening. You have such an engaging, vibrant delivery and I just wanted to say thank you so much for helping me re-connect to my connection!'
"The way we sound tells the story of who we are"
Jo Cameron Brown - Dialect Coach www.imdb.com/name/nm0131472/
‘I benefited from your workshop so much, on the night and even the next day!’
‘A resounding success!’
‘I found Alix knowledgeable and really easy going, with a sparkling touch.’
‘It was an excellent session!’
‘So beneficial..I’d love to do more advanced Vocal Confidence workshops.’
- All attendees commented the Vocal Confidence technique was extremely useful for their careers professionally and personally and concurred the session was informative and well-paced with ample time given to satisfactorily attend all questions.
2011
Invited to give VocalConfidence training at the Actors Temple London UK - http://www.actorstemple.com/
Alix's screenplay - working title- 'Noone's Girl - Saucer of Secrets' has been optioned and is currently in development..
As well as giving Vocal Confidence training to individuals and groups in every field, Alix's experience and expertise enable her to perform, write, direct, devise, collaborate, support and promote fellow artists.. as and when projects and fellow creatives' talent and integrity inspire her passion to commit her dedication and involvement..
"Consider myself an idealistic realist.. believing anyone can achieve their dreams with a commitment to hard work whilst maintaining respect and empathy for others with honesty and open acknowledgment.
My work is my passion.. am a lover and performer of wit and pathos in equal measure.
In work, I'm always inspired to collaborate on new stories of the human condition yet to be told.. In life, I most value the truth.. Nothing succeeds without integrity... Honest voices soar! "
The Hurly Burly Show at the Leicester Square Theatre - West End London
Creative Direction, Concept, Design and vocal coaching by Alix Longman
"..Burlesque has returned with a vengeance and the Leicester Square venue plays a suitable home to the delights Miss Polly Rae and her Hurly Burly Girlys have to offer. As a regular event at the Soho Revue Bar this act has steadily gained a large and enthusiastic following and as with any burlesque, much of the excitement and atmosphere can be generated by an appreciative audience as much as the show itself. Alix Longman's creation is a sumptuous affair mixing ebullient choreography with cheeky comedy and a generous helping of tease...
What makes Rae's act different is her vocal ability. Whereas many a burlesque artist will settle for the bump and grind, Rae forgoes the silent act and gives us hearty renditions of classic ballads such as Fever, here decked out in a riot of crinolines and pompadours or Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries, a rye duet with the host. As the host for the evening Dusty Limits proves to be the compere without compare. Limits', blessed with a wicked comic tongue sharpened by so many hen-nights, makes a delightful foil to Rae's vampish charms. Also a fine vocalist (coached also by Alix Longman) Limits belts a Weimar worthy Johnny cavorting atop a straight-backed chair but it is his own number, the disgraceful Why River, that paints a much more astute picture of this talented performer.."
The Hurly Burly Show - Paul Vale - The Stage - Reviews- Published Friday 7 November 2008
"..Polly Rae is a confident, stylish stripper runs a gamut of roles from Barbarella to Scarlett O'Hara - all sumptuously dressed - and eventually undressed. The big surprise of the evening is her terrific vocal talent and she belts out a few numbers while she performs her act.."
"Glamour Glitz and Gorgeous Girls" by Aline Waites for remotegoat on 08/11/08
"..The show was fantastic, well written, paced and a constant surprise and joy. The work of directors is often maligned but I know that much of the sense of direction, polish and professionalism with the show came from your imput and drive. Well done.."
Kevin Wilson - CLOUT COMMUNICATIONS LTD 10/11/2008,
West End Publicist of the Year 2007 - Fringe Report Awards
aBOUT ALIX LONGMAN