Annie Aitken My greatest

THE OPERA AND MUSICAL STAR REVEALS HOW HER JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD SHAPED HER RETURN TO THE STAGE

- Madison Scott

For Annie Aitken, this year is already gearing up to be one of her busiest yet. The Australian performer is starring as Cunégonde in Opera Australia’s 2025 season of Candide, a run that will end on March 14. A week later, she will begin starring opposite Cody Simpson in Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour. It’s a work schedule that sounds gruelling for anyone, but in the case of Aitken, it also marks her return to the stage after welcoming twins in late 2023.

“It changes everything,” she tells WHO of motherhood. “Your whole life changes from being about yourself and putting your needs first to putting your babies’ needs first. It’s wonderful, but provides its own challenges.”

After taking a break from her career and relocating to Perth as she embarked on becoming a parent, Aitken is ready to return to the stage – but now, she’s more selective of the roles she chooses.