Simon Gleeson and his daughter Molly, 17, will travel from Geelong to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl to perform in the Vision Australia’s 86th Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. They speak with Jena Carr about what they’re looking forward to from the show, which will be Molly’s first time performing at the iconic event alongside her father.
For Molly Gleeson, performing at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve for the first time is exciting and a little nerve wracking.
Luckily for the 17-year-old, she will sing at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl alongside her father and seasoned carols veteran Simon Gleeson, who will return for his 11th year.
“Every other year I’ve just watched, so it’s nice to have a chance to be on stage and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. I love to sing and it’s nice to share that with others,” Molly said.
“I’ve watched it on TV and from the audience multiple times, so it’s fantastic to be on stage and watch all the kids dancing, which is so cute.
“It’ll be exciting, but I think I’ll be too busy thinking about the fact that I’ll have to go on stage…but I’ll just make sure I breathe, especially in the rehearsals, and get used to what it’s like on stage.”
Molly said she was “really looking forward” to being on stage and was following in her parents’ footsteps with her performing arts interests.
“I do lots of dance with contemporary and technique stuff as well as teach little kids musical theatre, and that’s really fun,” she said.
“I reckon him (Simon) and mum got me into singing as I’ve always watched them perform, so I suppose they’re probably my main role models.
“I would love to continue performing after Year 12 next year. I think that’s something that I’ll follow, and I’d like to take on. It’s going to be a challenge but why not?”
Simon said he enjoyed participating in the carols and seeing old friends, but it would be a special year as he would perform with Molly.
“For me it’s to experience that with Molly; to get up, have a sing and sort of almost see it for the first time again through her eyes,” he said.
“It’s such a beautiful occasion, and I did sing with my wife, Molly’s mum, about two years ago for the carols, and that was the same, just getting up and seeing it all afresh through her eyes.
“I’m always nervous, but I’ve done it for a while. What’s weird is everyone backstage is incredibly nervous, no matter how many times they’ve done it.
“But as soon as you cross that threshold onto the stage, it’s weird how all that disappears because everyone is there for a good time.
“There are little kids there and you very rarely perform to an audience who are unanimously there for the same sort of joyful experience, so you get swept up on that instead of your own nerves.”
Simon said performing ran in his family’s blood, with his father, sister, and wife taking an interest in the arts, and his daughter was the latest to answer the call.
He also said it would be nice to turn and see Molly on stage and would love for everyone around the country to “tune in and sing along” to the carols.
“Molly’s been backstage and it’s a real family environment backstage, so she has created relationships with so many people,” he said.
“My fondest experience (of the carols) really was the one we did during COVID because no one was in the audience, and I really felt that it was different and there was a real need for it that year.”
Carols by Candlelight is in its 86th year, after it started in 1938, and is Vision Australia’s largest annual fundraiser, going towards services for children who are blind or have low vision.
Vision Australia chief executive Ron Hooton said he looked forward to seeing families and friends in person to help children in need.
“Together, at Carols by Candlelight, we illuminate the path to a brighter future for children who are blind or have low vision in Australia,” he said.
“Through this cherished tradition, we raise much-needed funds to empower these extraordinary children with invaluable resources, tailored education, and essential, holistic support.
“We help them live the life they choose, and ensure they embark on a journey toward a more hopeful tomorrow.”
Suncorp Group brand and marketing executive general manager Mim Haysom said she was “thrilled” to continue helping children and families through the carols event.
“We’re very much looking forward to sharing the magic of carols with the nation this Christmas and supporting the community through this wonderful event,” she said.
“No other event that quite compares to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight in terms of uniting communities and bringing joy to Australian families through the event and national broadcast.”
A mix of familiar and new stars will take to the stage on Christmas Eve, including Casey Donovan, Denis Walter, Marina Prior, David Hobson, Simon Gleeson and daughter Molly, and Silvie Paladino.
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight will be broadcast on Channel 9 and 9Now from 8pm on Christmas Eve and replay on Christmas Day for people who can’t attend the event in person.
Limited tickets to the December 24 carols event are still available through Ticketek, and more information is available at carols.visionaustralia.org
