Biography

Hilary O'Neil Biography

Here I am.... celebrating my 26th year in the business.

It all started for me, on the potty, aged 2, singing "You're My World" as Cilla Black.

An early beginning in Impressionist terms, but that's not how it really began.

After leaving school I went to Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, Surrey to train as a dancer. I was there for 3 years and it's without a doubt the best college for Musical Theatre training anywhere in the UK, and I shall always be indebted to Betty Laine. xx

She offered me my first professional job as a dancer on the Ken Dodd Summer Show at the Opera House, Blackpool followed by a season at the London Palladium!... not a bad start!

Shortly after, I became a singer and founder member of "Stutz Bearcats", appearing on many TV shows.

I always had a love of comedy and constantly watched other acts performing. One of whom became a huge influence in my life, when I met and worked with...the late, great Marti Caine. She had a wonderful act, combining comedy and music with glamour. Thanks to her, I'm now doing what I always hoped for.

My act has taken me to Australia and New Zealand on tour with Hale & Pace, Portugal, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Italy, Germany, The Caribbean, all over the Med, Belize and even...The Falklands!

My big break came with the hit TV series "Copycats". Other TV appearances include, The Royal Variety Show, Des O'Connor Tonight, Summertime Special, Night of 100 Stars, Live from The Palladium, Celebrity Squares, Call my Bluff, 2 x Freedie Starr series (how did I survive the first ?), 3-2-1, Who Do You Do?, Talking Telephones and many more. All great experience, but the best was "CopyCats". The quick changes backstage with make up and wigs were hilarious and could have been a seperate TV show.

Hilary O'Neil supports Hale & Pace

Hilary O'Neil stars in Acorn Antiques

I've also supported (in the UK), Jim Davidson, Joe Pasquale, Freddie Starr, Joe Longthorne, Richard Digance, Hale & Pace, Bobby Davro and Brian Conley.

I've appeared in the West End too. At the Phoenix Theatre in "That's Showbiz", in the Marx Brothers Comedy "Animal Crackers" at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, in the Musical "Summer Holiday" on both the UK tour and run at the Apollo, Hammersmith.I also appeared in the award winning 60's Comedy/Musical "Shout" at the Jermyn Street Threatre, where I recently returned for my one woman show, in their "Summer Diva" Cabaret Season.

I am currently starring in "Sir Trevor Nunn's" new musical to go to the West End "Acorn Antiques". This is at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for more details contact www.trh.co.uk or the box office on 0870 602 1110, this must close on 21 May, I do hope to see you all there.

If you enjoy a laugh, pop into your local greeting card shop and you can hear me as Lorraine Kelly, Sybil Fawlty, Dolly Parton, Denise Royle, Dame Edna, Anne Robinson, Ab Fab, Kylie and Madonna, all on Chatterbox greeting cards.

Hilary O'Neil Radio presenter with Sandi Toksvig

I've enjoyed many radio stints to, with wonderful memories of being part of the Radio 2's series "The Impressionists". We never stopped laughing when we recorded those shows at the famous Paris Studios in London. Ray Allen, Peter Goodwright, Dave Evans and I...Happy days!

I've also co-presented with Sandi Toksvig on her LBC 97.3 radio show.

I entertain regularly on Cruise ships. It's very hard work...You're paid to see the World and whn you wake up each morning, someone's changed the scenery...Not a bad life...if you dodge the odd foce 10!!

Cruise with P&O and Hilary O'Neil