Andrea Szabo is an Australian artist celebrated for her versatility as a performer and songwriter Born in Parramatta, Australia, Andrea’s roots connect her to a multicultural heritage: her mother, Maria, a nurse’s aide from Holland, and her father, Andras, a cleaner from Hungary, met while working in a Sydney hospital after arriving in Australia in the 1950s.
Early Life and Education
From an early age, Andrea's passion for theatre was apparent. She joined a local drama group at 14 and participated in school productions throughout her primary and high school years. Her commitment led her to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts at the University of Western Sydney, after which she created her first cabaret show showcasing her comedy and singing talents. This success caught the attention of Sydney production company owner Olivia Brown, who helped Andrea further develop her craft.
Career and Artistic Journey
Andrea’s career expanded as she toured with a theatre education program and later moved to the Gold Coast, where she established a booking agency for wedding and event music. She became a sought-after performer, with high-profile residencies like her two-month stay at the 5-star Uluru resort cocktail bar. Andrea’s journey spans decades and includes roles as a singer, actress, director, comedian, radio host, podcaster, writer, songwriter and community advocate. She co-created The Geordie Leach Band, bringing together her vocal talents with Geordie Leach (formerly of Rose Tattoo) to produce original music spanning genres like rock, jazz, blues, and even techno. She also led Mamas New Bag, a Gold Coast-based rhythm and blues band with a repertoire of Chicago, Cajun, and Mississippi blues, and performed in numerous jazz/blues bands and trios. In her jazz group Sweet Sugar, Andrea performed timeless jazz standards, connecting with audiences at festivals and events across Australia. Her unique blend of comedic wit and musical flair made Andrea a popular figure on stage and screen, with recent work including her role as Bev Duncan in Netflix’s Irreverent. Audiences and critics alike praised her natural screen presence and authenticity.
Community and Advocacy
Andrea’s career also encompasses deep community engagement. She founded Sing Sisters, an all-female choir that has brought joy and connection to women on the Gold Coast for over 18 years. Established in 2006, her passion for inclusive arts led her to create a government-funded performing arts program for individuals with disabilities, recognized for its positive social impact. She later expanded her role in public speaking, teaching, and performance arts workshops, blending creativity with life coaching principles. She was a regular speaker at the Australian Songwriters Conference.
Health and Transformation
A turning point in Andrea’s life came in 1997 when she was diagnosed with a severe, life-threatening illness that required brain surgery. Despite the challenges of limited mobility and a somewhat reliance on a wheelchair, Andrea’s resilience and dedication to well-being fueled her recovery. This journey inspired her to explore healing, Discovering how vocal tones and vibrational frequencies could aid in physical and emotional healing. In the past, she shared these techniques through her therapeutic practice, blending indigenous roots with modern sound therapy.
Current Work and Offerings
Andrea is nowadays focused on songwriting and show creation, using her skill as a performing artist and musician, life experiences, and unique perspectives to create deeply resonant, often humorous songs that engage her audiences. Her latest project, Crumpet to Crackers, is a one-of-a-kind theatrical show that combines cabaret, satire, and storytelling to explore themes of resilience, personal identity, and social commentary. Drawing from her own journey, the show tackles meaningful topics with wit, offering audiences laughter, entertainment, and thought-provoking insights.
Trivia
Online Presence Andrea personally maintains an active online presence across several platforms:
Instagram: @andreaszaboaustralia
YouTube: @AndreaSzaboAustralia
