Opera’s Helen Medlyn farewells stage
Struck by arthritis in her jaw, acclaimed singer Helen Medlyn is boldly embarking on a new gipsy life in a small caravan she calls Vee.
After an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years, opera singer Helen Medlyn is calling it a day.
The singer-actress has retired from performing at the age of 60, due to ongoing health issues.
Medlyn started to feel pain in her jaw about two years ago, and after a visit to a specialist, discovered there was arthritis in her jaw.
The arthritis caused the left side of Medlyn’s jaw to collapse. She was told it wouldn’t heal and surgery wasn’t an option.
Although the decision to retire was a difficult one, Medlyn knew she wouldn’t be satisfied if she couldn’t deliver to a high standard.
‘‘I didn’t want people to pay big money for me to not come up with the goods,’’ she said.
Medlyn’s performing career properly began in 1982, when she performed as a dancer in Evita.
She has also performed in iconic shows such as Sweeney Todd, the Wizard of Oz and The Mikado.
Medlyn received an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award in 2002 and was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for services to performing arts.
Having finished up her final speaking engagement at the end of November, Medlyn is now enjoying life on the road in her caravan named Vee.
‘‘I’ve house-sat all my life . . . at 60 I finally have my very own home, I just love it."