Operatunity is delighted to announce that one of its leading artists Russell Dixon has just won the NZ Variety Artist 2024 Male Artist of the Year Award.
This award-winning artist is set to star in Operatunity’s first concert tour of 2025: Thistle and the Shamrock. Russell has captivated audiences with his unique sound and heartfelt performances, showcasing a remarkable blend of passion and artistry. He loves what he does and this comes through in his performances and his dedication to his craft. Operatunity is proud that he has been honoured in this way as a true recognition of his talent. This is the same award that another Operatunity star Karl Perigo received in 2022.
This award is a testament to Russell’s hard work, creativity, and the profound impact he has made on the New Zealand and international entertainment scene.
Russell does not only appear on stage with Operatunity but has worked extensively in music theatre productions both on stage and behind the scenes. Russ is a well-known director and his 2023 production of Matilda for Tauranga Musical Theatre has just won 9 Zony Awards including Best Direction – Russell Dixon, Best Staging of a Play or Musical, Best Choreography, Best leading actors and more. This was part of the prestigious Music Theatre NZ Zone 2 Awards. Two major awards for Russ on one weekend! What an outstanding achievement!
Russell has performed in numerous productions throughout NZ with a career spanning 36 years. He was invited to perform in Ken Hill’s Original Phantom of the Opera at Tokyo’s Orb Theatre in Japan, in 2018 and again in 2024.
Russ also directed Mary Poppins for the Amici Trust at Auckland’s prestigious Civic Theatre in 2020. This production was labelled by the international publication ‘Broadway World’ as the largest production in the world (during its season) due to the global impact of Covid-19. Other directorial credits include Wicked for Tauranga Musical Theatre, Blood Brothers for Taieri Musical Society in Dunedin, and Mamma Mia in Tauranga, Oamaru and in Auckland, at the Bruce Mason Centre.
A career highlight was playing the role of Thomas S Monson in the feature film The Other Side of Heaven 2 – The Fire of Faith which premiered in the USA in 2019 and was the most successful ‘faith film’ in America for that year.
Russell returned to New Zealand in 2014, having spent 7 years in the UK where he performed the lead comic role of Alberto Beddini in the West End production of Top Hat at London’s Aldwych Theatre. He was also cast in the UK tour of The Witches of Eastwick, as Joe Marino and understudied the lead role of Darryl van Horne played by Marti Pellow (from the band Wet Wet Wet).
In November 2013 Russell filmed the David Walliams, Miranda Hart and Joanna Lumley - BBC Christmas TV Movie Gangsta Granny, playing the role of The Judge and was the standby performer for the role of Flavio Flaviolli played by Robbie Williams. Russell played both Mr. Lyons and Narrator in the UK Tour of Blood Brothers, Mr. Lyons on the West End at London’s Phoenix Theatre and in the UAE premiere of Blood Brothers in Dubai. He was also invited to play the role of Mr. Lyons in the STARCAST performance at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre to commemorate the 20 Year Anniversary of the show.
NZ Film & Television credits include Shortland Street, Hercules -The Legendary Journeys, Riverworld, Underbelly, Dear Murderer and many TV commercials. Other television work includes TV3 Weather Presenter and former television chef. He presented the Tegel Taste Kitchen TV series and competed with Jamie Oliver in the award winning TVC - Duelling Chefs for Pams.
Russell has worked as a performance artist and tour manager for Operatunity since 2019. You can catch Russell’s performance on stage in the first Operatunity concert tour of 2025 – Thistle and the Shamrock - a Celtic journey celebrating our Scottish and Irish musical heritage.
Starring along with Russell on this tour are the exceptional talents of the mad fiddler Marian Burns and accordionist Tracey Collins. Marian, known for her vibrant playing and deep connection to traditional Celtic melodies, infuses the show with a unique flair that resonates with every note. Tracey, with her dynamic accordion skills, adds rich textures and lively rhythms, inviting the audience to join in the joy of Celtic music in a whole new way. Completing the cast are soprano Alex Foster-Winder, resident artists tenors Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua and Karl Perigo and pianist Paul Carnegie-Jones.
Whether you’re Irish, Scottish, or simply a lover of Celtic music, this concert tour is not to be missed. Get ready to have Ireland and Scotland in your heart— to be sure, to be sure!
For more information and to book visit Operatunity’s website www.operatunity.co.nz or call their friendly office team on 0508 266 237. Patrons are encouraged to secure their seats early to avoid disappointment.
About Operatunity:
Operatunity is New Zealand’s leading producer of daytime concerts, bringing world-class music and entertainment to retired communities across New Zealand. They present nearly 200 concerts a year spanning rock ‘n’ roll, musical theatre, country, classical, and more, across 24 venues from Whangarei to Invercargill. Committed to caring for senior communities, all venues have been carefully selected for their convenience, accessibility, and easy parking. This ensures that patrons can enjoy a stress-free and comfortable experience. In addition to the performance, audiences have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary morning tea and mingle with the stars of the show. With a focus on supporting local artists and providing exceptional musical experiences, Operatunity continues to captivate audiences with its diverse and delightful performances.
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