How Rhonda Burchmore found love in first home

PHOTO: Hairspray performer Rhonda Burchmore.

When Rhonda Burchmore first moved to Melbourne, she had no inkling that her landlord would become her future husband. The Hairspray star also talks about home renos and her dream house.

Showbusiness queen Rhonda Burchmore is starring in the Broadway hit musical Hairspray at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre alongside Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney, Rob Mills, Asabi Goodman and Carmel Rodrigues. The show will run until October 2.

FIRST HOME

The first home I lived in when I moved out of my home in Sydney was in South Yarra when I came down to do my first big musical They’re Playing Our Song.

I paid a very small rent for a room in a glorious terrace to the landlord, who is now my husband of 35 years (Dr Nikolai Jeuniewic).

I adore the location which was opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Hairspray musical cast Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, Asabi Goodman, Rob Mills, Carmel Rodrigues, Javon King and Donna Lee at Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw.

Burchmore has supported several charitable causes during her career including the Fight MND Big Freeze ice dip. Picture: David Caird.

My favourite room was the upstairs bathroom which was black granite, with a deep spa and an incredible leadlight window reminiscent of Monet’s Waterlilies.

After I married my husband, we made quite a few renovations, including putting a wonderful sun deck on, which allowed wonderful views over Melbourne city.

A happy memory is wonderful dinner parties that I used to hold that would go on till the early hours of the morning, fabulous food and a lot of wine.

The Hairspray actors in costume including Burchmore (left) as her character Velma Von Tussle.

CURRENT HOME

My current Melbourne home is in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

It is on a very big property and Victorian in style.

I adore the high ceilings with the original plaster work, and the lovely bay windows.

I love the kitchen that also serves as an atrium for plants.

One of the main features of the home is the amount of light that comes in as a result of the panelled glass doors that span the length of the kitchen.

Burchmore looking rather glam with some reptilian friends. Picture: Sean Higgins.

We have done quite a bit of renovation to this property, mainly creating bigger rooms by knocking out walks and putting in a fabulous swimming pool that is very deep and long enough to do laps.

I do remember before renovation, the previous owners had decorated every room with a different wallpaper and a different carpet including bright orange and lime tones.

It was absolutely hideous.