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Simon Burke

Actor, Performer & MC

Simon Burke is an AFI Award-winning actor, acclaimed singer and one of Australia’s most sought-after corporate MCs. Combining wit, gravitas and exceptional musical talent to create memorable, seamless experiences for audiences in Australia and internationally.

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Simon Burke is one of Australia’s most accomplished, versatile and respected performers — an award-winning actor, singer, broadcaster and master of ceremonies with an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades across Australia and the United Kingdom.

Simon first came to national prominence at just 13 years of age, winning the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor for his performance in the acclaimed film The Devil’s Playground. Since then, he has built an outstanding body of work across film, television, theatre, concert and cabaret.

His theatre career includes starring roles in major West End musicals, while Australian audiences embraced him for 25 years as one of the most beloved presenters on ABC TV’s Play School. He has hosted, co-written and produced Foxtel’s acclaimed variety series Studio A with Simon Burke and spent seven years as MC and co-writer of the prestigious Helpmann Awards. Simon also served a decade as Federal President of Actors Equity Australia, representing performers nationwide.

In the corporate and special events arena, Simon is highly sought after as an MC, keynote speaker and guest performer. A skilled writer, he crafts intelligent, tailored scripts that align seamlessly with client objectives and event messaging. His rare combination of wit, warmth, gravitas and exceptional musical talent ensures events run smoothly while remaining engaging, polished and memorable.

Simon has hosted and performed at some of Australia’s most prestigious events, including Australia Plays Broadway at Carnegie Hall (New York), the Sydney Festival’s Symphony in the Domain, the NSW Premier’s Gala Concert, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Gala, Opera Australia’s Christmas at the House (Sydney Opera House), and numerous high-profile government, business and industry celebrations.

Internationally, he was the special guest performer at a gala dinner in London marking the 60th anniversary of Qantas’ Sydney–London Kangaroo Route, and for three consecutive years was invited by Australia’s High Commissioner to sing the National Anthem at Australia House for Australia Day celebrations — the final occasion in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Widely respected as a consummate professional, Simon Burke delivers intelligence, charm and showmanship in equal measure — the perfect choice for events that demand sophistication, energy and impact.

...I could not have made a better choice than Simon Burke as MC. We needed someone highly professional, nimble, given we were staging an eight-hour live event ,informed about the subject matter and most of all, someone with an enormously warm stage presence. It didn’t hurt that Simon Burke also looks extremely elegant in a designer suit. His ability to carry a diverse audience of well over 1,000 people through a long and informative day was an enormous contribution to our success. Extremely generous in letting others shine, he ‘read’ the audience brilliantly and was a calming presence backstage. Should you be staging a corporate event, I would advise you to snap up Simon Burke. I would recommend him 100%. International Fashion Editor of the AFR, Curator of Bespoke
Your talent and charisma made the evening a very special experience. I was also grateful for your calm professionalism at our eleventh-hour request for a special song to be performed. I was amazed you had the time, let alone the willingness, to oblige us given your other heavy commitments. Thanks again - we have had nothing but compliments and I suspect you now have a new group of fans. Qantas Airways
…one thing they should never change is the host. When it comes to singing and dancing through an awards ceremony, Burke, who has hosted all five Helpmanns, can give Tonys’ host Hugh Jackman a run for his money. The Age
Sensitive handling was called for, a combination of fun and gravitas, and this is exactly what Simon provided. He knew when to be formal and when to be a little wild. He did a terrific job and a good slice of the credit for the success of the evening is his. COVE Australia
Thanks yet again for your witty, urbane and wonderful performance … and for the incisive and insightful lyrics and script. I had so many comments from those present about your talent and how you tied the whole night together so well - with which I heartily concur! And personally I had many a belly-laugh, many a wry smile, a few tears and a good reminisce. What more could I ask? Thank God for talent. Helpmann Awards
Host Simon Burke, with dazzling singing performances and speedy repartee, made Eddie McGuire look like - Eddie McGuire. Sydney Morning Herald
Wonderful. Astounding. Fabulous. Your hard work, and agonising, sure paid off. I must tell you as well, that there has been unprecedented positive feedback - and absolutely every single person has said how essential and perfect your presentation was. Even the Minister, who phoned today, said you were a triumph - which you were. Live Performance Australia (LPA)
The consumate professional. With very limited rehearsal time, Simon MC'd a tight show flawlessly. Funny, engaging and razor sharp timing! Simon was the 'glue' that kept 13 speaker segments on time with seamless, entertaining delivery. Bespoke - Business & Luxury, for Australian Financial Review
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